Google Maps Restrictions Probed by German Antitrust Watchdog (1)

Alphabet Inc.’s Google is under investigation by Germany’s antitrust watchdog amid concerns over potentially illegal terms for the use of its maps platform.

The Federal Cartel Office said Tuesday it opened a formal probe after initial findings suggest that the US giant is limiting options to use alternative map providers when app developers and other businesses seek to combine their offerings with maps. The regulator is also looking at the terms for Google’s Automotive Services, according to the statement.

Officials are concerned Google limits the option to embed position data from Google Maps, Street View or the search function ...