This article discusses the recent development where Alphabet’s Google, Amazon, and Airbnb received support from an adviser to the European Union (EU) court regarding an Italian rule.

Google, Amazon, and Airbnb contested an Italian rule requiring them to provide information and comply with regulations in Italy, facing penalties for non-compliance.
The companies argued that they are already subject to laws in Ireland and Luxembourg, where their European headquarters are located.
The dispute revolves around EU legislation stating that online service providers adhere to the rules of their establishment country, and countries where services are provided should refrain from imposing additional laws.
CJEU Advocate General Maciej Szpunar opined that Italy cannot impose obligations on online service providers established in another EU member state.
The Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) sought advice from the Italian court, and the Advocate General recommended supporting the tech companies.
The non-binding opinion emphasized that a Member State should not impose general obligations on an online service provider based in another EU country.
The CJEU, known to follow such recommendations, will provide a ruling in the coming months.

The adviser’s opinion aligns with the argument made by Google, Amazon, and Airbnb, emphasizing the importance of adhering to EU legislation on the jurisdiction of online service providers. The interpretation underscores the principle that companies should follow the laws of their establishment country rather than facing additional requirements in countries where they operate.

This case carries significance in clarifying the jurisdictional boundaries for online service providers within the EU. The adviser’s stance reinforces the idea that EU legislation should prevail over individual member states’ attempts to impose generalized obligations on companies based elsewhere. The outcome may set a precedent for regulatory clarity in the digital services sector.

The EU court adviser’s support for Google, Amazon, and Airbnb adds weight to the argument that compliance with laws should align with the location of a company’s establishment. As the CJEU is expected to follow this recommendation, the ruling could influence how online service providers navigate regulatory frameworks across EU member states.

This analysis is based on information from Reuters, providing insights into the legal dispute between Google, Amazon, Airbnb, and the Italian government, with an emphasis on the EU court adviser’s non-binding opinion.