Japanese regulators have accused Google of violating anti-monopoly laws, following similar actions in the U.S. and Europe. Google Japan expressed disappointment in the move, stating it has made significant investments in Japan to drive technological innovation.
The Japan Fair Trade Commission has issued a “cease and desist order” instructing Google to stop pre-installing its search engine on Android smartphones. The commission argues that this practice effectively stifles competition.
It remains unclear whether Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. based in Silicon Valley, will challenge the order through legal means. A U.S. judge ruled last year that Google used its dominance to suppress competition, but Google denies these allegations, claiming its popularity is due to user satisfaction. The legal process is expected to take several years.
Regulators in Japan began their investigation in 2023, consulting with authorities in other countries that are handling similar cases. European regulators have also criticized Google’s monopolistic behavior.
This action marks the first time the Japan Fair Trade Commission has taken such measures against a major global tech company.
