Japan orders Google to stop alleged antitrust violations

In April 2025, Japanese authorities took significant action against Google, marking the first cease-and-desist order issued to a global technology giant under the country's antitrust laws. The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) concluded that Google's conduct threatened fair competition in the market, particularly citing issues related to the search functionalities of Android smartphones. The commission noted that since at least July 2020, Google has imposed conditions that required smartphone manufacturers in Japan to bundle its Google Play app store with the Chrome browser app. This bundling strategy is reportedly so influential that without Google Play, devices running Android may struggle to find a market foothold. The concerns raised by the JFTC highlight a growing trend of stringent regulatory scrutiny on major tech companies, especially in light of similar actions taken by governments in Europe and the United States. Officials believe that limiting Google's practices will enhance competitive options available to smartphone makers, ultimately benefiting consumers and fostering innovation in the tech space. Google's response emphasized disappointment, claiming that their partnerships with Japanese companies stimulate competition and invest in advancements that ensure consumer choice. While no immediate financial penalties were levied against Google during this announcement, the implications of the cease-and-desist order may lead to a reevaluation of their operational strategies in Japan. The bigger picture reveals a broader wave of action against monopolistic practices by large corporations, as evidenced by ongoing legal proceedings in the US aiming to dismantle aspects of Google's business, including its Chrome browser. This situation underlines the international nature of regulatory challenges faced by tech conglomerates and suggests that significant changes might be on the horizon. In Japan, the JFTC has been proactive in monitoring and investigating practices that could undermine fair competition. A previous inspection of Amazon's Japanese operations is a testament to their vigilant stance against perceived monopolistic practices. The seriousness of the current allegations against Google indicates that regulators are committing to fostering a more equitable tech industry landscape, where competition can thrive free from oppressive conditions imposed by dominant players.