Japan Prepares ‘Digital Antitrust Law’ to Challenge Apple and Google App Store Policies
In a significant move to address concerns of monopoly in the mobile market, Japanese authorities are gearing up to introduce a “Digital Antitrust Law,” as reported by Nihon Keizai Shimbun. This new legislation aims to compel tech giants such as Apple and Google to open up their ecosystems by enabling “application sideloading” and allowing “third-party payment” options specifically within the Japanese market.
As of now, Google already permits the sideloading of applications on its Android platform. Consequently, the company might only need to navigate the third-party payment requirement in Japan. On the other hand, Apple, known for its closed iOS system, prohibits the sideloading of apps. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with sideloading, emphasizing the difficulty of verifying the source and intentions of such applications.
Read more: Google’s Latest Play Store Suit Gets Class Action Status
The genesis of this impending legislation can be traced back to 2020 when Japanese authorities initiated investigations into antitrust issues involving major tech players, including Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta, and others. This year, regulatory agencies declared the completion of the probe, asserting that “Apple and Google dominate the mobile app platform, creating a monopoly.” Consequently, the Japanese authorities have deemed it imperative to formulate the “Digital Antitrust Law” to address the monopoly concerns.
The proposed law will mandate any company conducting business in the Japanese market to open its app store and third-party payment channels. If the legislation passes, the Japan Fair Trade Commission will wield the authority to impose fines on brands found in violation. The primary objective behind the law is to break the perceived monopoly held by Apple, Google, and other select brands in the Japanese mobile market.
Source: GIZ China
Featured News
Google and South Carolina Clash Over State Records Demand
May 8, 2024 by
CPI
Telefonica Germany Teams Up with Amazon Web Services to Migrate 5G Customers
May 8, 2024 by
CPI
Federal Judge Grants $7.4 Million Settlement in Pork Price-Fixing Case
May 8, 2024 by
CPI
Wilson Sonsini Bolsters Antitrust and Competition Practice with Key Partner Returns
May 8, 2024 by
CPI
EU to Scrutinize Telecom Italia’s Network Sale to KKR
May 8, 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