Italian Antitrust Authority Fines Apple $12 Million

   By Cecilia Butini 
 

Italy's antitrust authority said Monday that it has imposed a fine of 10 million euros ($12 million) on U.S. technology giant Apple Inc. for what it described as "misleading" and "aggressive" trade practices.

The authority, also known as AGCM, said the fine affected Apple subsidiaries Apple Distribution International Ltd. and Apple Italia Srl.

According to the regulator, the company misled customers when it advertised eight different iPhone models--ranging from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone 11 pro Max--as being able to resist water at a depth of up to four meters. Apple failed to disclose that water resistance is only attainable in controlled settings and not in everyday circumstances, AGCM said.

Meanwhile, the authority said Apple not assisting customers who claimed on water damage to their iPhones is an aggressive trade practice, as it prevents customers from exercising their lawful rights.

Apple wasn't immediately available for comment.

Write to Cecilia Butini at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 30, 2020 03:37 ET (08:37 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2020 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.