Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on November 21, 2025
1 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
Italy's competition authority closed its probe into Google's data practices after Google adopted changes for clearer consent requests.
MILAN (Reuters) -Italy's competition authority said on Friday it had closed a probe it had launched last year over Google's alleged unfair commercial practices in the use of personal data after the online search giant adopted remedies.
In July 2024 the authority opened an investigation as the request Google sent its users for consent to connect to its services "could constitute a misleading and aggressive commercial practice", and that the information it provided was "incomplete and misleading".
After the regulator's probe, Google will change its consent request "by providing clearer and more accurate information on the implications of consent for the use of personal data", as well as on the range and volume of its services where consent may involve the "combination" and "cross-use" of personal data, the Antitrust said in statement.
(Reporting by Gianluca Semeraro, editing by Giulia Segreti)
Personal data refers to any information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual. This includes names, identification numbers, location data, and online identifiers.
Data protection involves safeguarding personal information from misuse, loss, or unauthorized access. It ensures that individuals' privacy rights are respected and maintained.
Commercial practices are the methods and strategies businesses use to market and sell their products or services. They must comply with legal standards to ensure fairness and transparency.
Consumer consent is the agreement given by individuals to allow businesses to collect and use their personal data. It must be informed, specific, and freely given.
An antitrust investigation is a legal process conducted to determine if a company is engaging in unfair business practices that harm competition and consumers.
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