A Rome-based Administrative Court of Lazio has directed the AGCOM, Italy’s Communications Authority, to drop a €750,000 fine against the company’s Italian business. The court ruled that Google did not violate the Dignity Decree of 2018, SBC News reported September 12.
Google had appealed the original fine that held that Google platforms had promoted gambling content to the country’s residents. A previous coalition government had put a ban on all forms of gambling advertising or promotional materials for sports.
The search engine was fined after its Search and YouTube platforms had led to gambling links. Google claimed it never violated the Degree, but that independent advertisers had.
The Lazio Court held that Google had removed illegal content from its platforms and changed its advertising terms for Italian users.
Meanwhile, the new Italian Meloni government has begun reforms to reorganize the gaming sector.
The government has emphasized the importance of the sector to the economy. It has stated that the sector contributes “€11 billion to the government each year and employs around 150,000 people.”
