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Japan's FTC to regulate Google and Apple under new smartphone law
Japan's Fair Trade Commission has designated Google, Apple, and iTunes as regulated under a new law to foster competition in smartphone application markets, preventing them from blocking market entry or favoring their services. Violators face fines based on sales, with full enforcement starting in December 2023.
Key points
- Japan's FTC designated Google, Apple, and iTunes as subject to new regulations.
- The law aims to enhance competition and reduce oligopoly in the app market.
- Prohibits blocking market entry and giving preferential treatment to own services.
- Google will face restrictions in app stores, operating systems, browsers, and search engines.
- Apple will be restricted in app stores, operating systems, and browsers but not in search engines.
- Fines for violations will be 20% of Japanese sales, increasing to 30% for repeat offenses.
- Companies must report annually on compliance with the new regulations.
Why it matters
- This move aligns with global trends toward regulating tech giants to promote fair competition.
- Similar regulations have emerged in the EU and the US focusing on antitrust actions against big tech.
- The push for regulation reflects growing concerns about monopolistic practices in the tech industry.
- As of 2025, emphasis on user privacy and data rights is also shaping tech regulations worldwide.
Japan's new regulations on Google and Apple represent a significant step in global tech oversight, aiming to foster a more competitive environment in the smartphone application market while addressing concerns over monopolistic practices.