Japan’s trade watchdog is investigating the operators of three travel booking websites on suspicion that they pressured hotels and other accommodations they deal with to offer prices that were equal to, or lower than, those on other websites.
The subjects of the investigation are the Japanese units of the US-based Expedia and the Dutch-based Booking.com, as well as Japanese IT firm Rakuten, which operates Rakuten Travel.
The Japan Fair Trade Commission suspects that the practices could constitute unfair transactions in violation of the Antimonopoly Act.
Rakuten issued a statement saying it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Earlier, the commission began investigations of the global tech giants Google, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon, looking into whether the firms that operate service platforms for information networks and e-commerce are forcing domestic businesses into unfair deals.
Full Content: Asia Nikkei
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
Judge Mehta Questions Both Sides in Landmark Google Antitrust Case
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
FCC Urges Urgent Funding for Removal of Chinese Telecom Equipment from U.S. Networks
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Former Pioneer CEO Facing Potential Criminal Charges For Colluding With OPEC
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
South Korea’s Antitrust Regulator Greenlights K-Pop Powerhouse Deal
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Exxon’s Pioneer Purchase Approved, Former CEO Barred from Board
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI