Japan Orders Google to End Anticompetitive Practices
Japan’s Fair Trade Commission has ordered Google to stop anticompetitive practices linked to its search services on Android smartphones — the first time the country has taken such action against a U.S. tech giant. Regulators said Google pushed manufacturers to preinstall its search engine and browser on home screens, limiting rivals' access, and tied ad revenue-sharing to the use of its search service.
Google called the decision “regrettable” and said its deals with Japanese partners were designed to encourage innovation and offer more choices for consumers. The company added it would carefully review the order before deciding its next steps.
As part of the ruling, Google must appoint an independent third party to monitor compliance and report to the commission for the next five years. Japan’s move comes as global regulators, including in the U.S. and Europe, continue to scrutinize Google’s market power.
