Google Corporation Almost Lost $800,000
The company was able to prevent the collection of a huge fine, the amount of which exceeded 800 thousand dollars. The investigation into the case of illegal advertising of gambling lasted for several years. Finally, it became known the other day that the corporation was able to prove its innocence.
Charges were brought against one of the world's largest companies in Italy. The corporation was facing a hefty fine for a violation called Dignity Decree. Google was able to secure an acquittal after filing an appeal. In fact, the penalty was overturned. The gist of the story is as follows:
In 2019, a law came into force in Italy that effectively banned any gambling advertising. As a result, a complete ban on certain types of advertising was introduced in the following areas:
- land-based gambling;
- online industry;
- advertising on radio and TV.
In case of violation of the new requirements by any company, it was supposed to collect huge fines. The Italian Communications Authority, which regulates this issue, presented claims to the Google corporation. Their essence was that the company was accused of promoting gambling content among Italians. However, the corporation's lawyers did not agree with this and after the court's decision filed an appeal challenging the imposed fine of 750 thousand euros (more than 800 thousand dollars). The lawyers were able to prove that the links to gambling content were left by independent advertisers, and the company itself had nothing to do with it.
Google stated that it had never committed such violations and was not going to do so in the future. Incidentally, similar claims were made against the corporation in India. However, this country was also unable to fine the American "giant". As a result, Google avoided huge expenses on fines issued by the relevant organizations.
