The Italian Competition Authority has initiated an investigation against Google and its parent company Alphabet regarding the consent request presented to users for linking services. The Authority believes that the information provided in the consent request may be inadequate, incomplete, and misleading, potentially influencing users' decisions on granting consent.

The investigation focuses on the lack of relevant information in the consent request about how Google uses users' personal data, especially concerning the combination and cross-use of data across various Google services. Additionally, concerns are raised about the limited options for users to consent only to specific services.

The Authority also accuses Google of employing techniques and methods in obtaining consent that could restrict the freedom of choice of consumers. Users might feel pressured to agree to the combination and cross-use of their personal data across multiple services, potentially leading to commercial decisions they would not have otherwise made.