Japan Government Says Apple, Google On Its List

Japan’s government is pointing the finger at Apple and Google, alleging that the two tech giants are violating the country’s anti-monopoly law.

According to a report from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, there are a number of practices that Apple and Google are engaged in that are handicapping and obstructing competition in the app market. The Japanese government is especially taking issue with the tech companies’ limits and restrictions related to how developers are paid and can accept currency, as well as the use of virtual currencies between apps. Both potentially defy Japanese law.

Japan’s government has shined a light on the tech industry more recently. As part of the economic growth strategy for the country, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe decided to focus on investment in technology innovation.

The government said it “should monitor the situation” and may conduct an onsite investigation. And should the competition regulator decide that these activities are illegal, “firm legal measures” should be taken in response.

Anti-trust issues are becoming a touchy subject for U.S. tech companies, especially after the European Union put the laser on Google for allegedly using its Android system to block competitors.