Apple and Google to Comply with Japanese Legal Requirements
Here's the Rewritten Article:
Are Apple and Google in hot water with the Japanese government?...kinda, sorta. While the Japanese government is taking a closer look at the big dogs of tech, it's specifically Google that's drawing attention for potential antitrust violations, according to a report from Nikkei.
Why's Google caught in the crosshairs? Well, the Japanese market for operating systems is dominated by Apple and Google, with each company's share outpacing the competition by a whopping 90%. The government is launching an investigation into the operating system market to dig deeper into manufacturer deals with mobile phones, tablets, and other devices involving these two heavy hitters.
If Google's antics in the OS market are found to be on the shady side, prepare for stricter antitrust laws in Japan. Let's take a dip into the juicy details of Google's antitrust violations in Japan, and I'll catch you up on the finer points:
Google's Antitrust Shenanigans in Japan
In April 2025, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) served a "cease-and-desist" order against Google, citing two primary anticompetitive practices linked to Android devices:
1. Contractual Restrictions on Device Manufacturers- Mobile Application Distribution Agreements (MADAs): Google was requiring Android smartphone makers to pre-install certain apps like Chrome and Search, while granting access to its app store.- Revenue-Sharing Agreements (RSAs): Google was offering ad revenue incentives to manufacturers and telecom operators if they prioritized its apps, thereby creating a financial motivation to oust competitors.
2. Anti-Fragmentation PracticesThe JFTC’s decision primarily focused on MADAs and RSAs, but earlier EU cases (referenced by the JFTC) also featured Anti-Fragmentation Agreements (AFAs), which restricted device makers from using modified Android versions. However, the JFTC’s 2025 order did not explicitly cite AFAs.
The impact on the market:
- Competitor Exclusion: The practices dominated approximately 80% of Android devices sold in Japan, making it a tough nut for rival companies to crack.
- Unfair Trade Practices: The JFTC deemed these contracts "restrictive terms" under Japan’s Anti-Monopoly Act (AMA).
Now, let's set the record straight about Apple's involvement: The recent investigation doesn't tie Apple to any Japanese antitrust actions regarding operating system markets. The JFTC’s 2025 order and earlier investigations solely focus on Google’s Android practices. If Apple were under the microscope, it'd likely be due to separate app store or payment system policies - but it's not part of the current case.
- The Japanese government is examining Google for potential antitrust violations, particularly in the mobile operating system market, as reported by Nikkei.
- The investigation is focused on Google's practices, such as Mobile Application Distribution Agreements (MADAs) and Revenue-Sharing Agreements (RSAs), which have been deemed as restrictive terms under Japan’s Anti-Monopoly Act (AMA).
- In April 2025, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) served a "cease-and-desist" order against Google for these anticompetitive practices, citing contractual restrictions on device manufacturers and anti-fragmentation practices.
- If Google's antitrust violations are found to be on the shady side, Japan might implement stricter antitrust laws, while Apple's involvement in the current case is limited to separate app store or payment system policies.
