In a recent development, Japan’s Fair Trade Commission announced on Monday that it has commenced an inquiry into Google’s possible infringement of domestic antitrust laws in the realm of web search services. This move comes on the heels of parallel actions undertaken by antitrust bodies in the European Union and the United States.
“The objective is to scrutinize whether Google’s practices are in violation of Japan’s Antimonopoly Act” said a spokesperson for the Japan Fair Trade Commission. Specifically, the Commission is looking into claims that Google has been sharing a portion of its revenues with Android smartphone manufacturers, with the stipulation that these companies abstain from incorporating competing search engines on their devices.
Why This Matters: This marks a significant escalation in global efforts to rein in the tech giant’s reach. Observers believe that Japan’s probe could open the door for more rigorous regulations in Asia, particularly if the investigation results in punitive measures against Google.
Quick Facts:
- Japan is the latest country to probe Google’s search dominance.
- The focus is on revenue sharing agreements with Android smartphone manufacturers.
- The move follows similar investigations in the EU and the U.S.
The Fair Trade Commission’s decision to investigate comes at a time when concerns about Big Tech’s influence are gaining traction worldwide. With Japan joining the collective call for greater oversight, it adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing narrative around the regulation of monopolistic practices in the digital space.
