Japan’s competition watchdog, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), is preparing to issue a cease-and-desist order against Google for allegedly breaching Japan’s antitrust laws.
Sources indicate that the tech giant is accused of leveraging its market dominance in web search and smartphone operating systems to stifle competition.
Central to the JFTC’s investigation is the claim that Google has coerced smartphone manufacturers using its Android operating system to pre-install its apps, including Google Chrome and Google Search, as a condition for accessing the Google Play Store.
Manufacturers have also reportedly been required to place these apps prominently on device home screens, further cementing Google’s dominance in search and browser markets.
Additionally, sources reveal that Google has entered revenue-sharing agreements with device makers.
These agreements allegedly incentivise manufacturers to exclude rival search apps from their devices by offering them a share of revenue generated from Google’s paid search ads.
Japan’s investigation, which began in October 2023, aligns with similar probes worldwide.
The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) has taken a particularly aggressive stance.
Last month, the DoJ proposed that Google divest its Chrome browser and refrain from re-entering the browser market for five years to break its monopoly on search services.
Google, however, has pushed back against the DoJ’s proposal, calling it “extreme” and warning against measures that could “stifle innovation and future investment.”
In a recent court filing, the company argued that the remedies should correspond directly to the conduct deemed illegal, such as exclusive agreements with manufacturers and telecom carriers.
If the JFTC proceeds with its cease-and-desist order, Google would become the first U.S. technology company to face such disciplinary action in Japan.
Source: Bloomberg
The watchdog has reportedly informed Google of its intentions and will finalise its decision after reviewing the company’s response.
The potential sanctions could reshape how Google operates in Japan, where it holds a dominant position in web search and digital advertising.
Observers suggest the move is part of a broader global trend of tightening regulatory oversight on Big Tech.
Beyond Japan, Google has faced accusations of tying app store access to restrictive conditions.
The JFTC alleges that Google’s agreements force manufacturers to compromise their independence in app selection and placement.
These practices, critics argue, have left little room for competitors to establish a foothold in the lucrative digital ecosystem.
With a final decision expected later this year, Google’s response will be closely watched as regulators worldwide continue to scrutinise the business practices of dominant technology firms.
On September 12, Binance announced that Binance Launchpool launched the 58th project - Hamster Kombat (HMSTR), a cryptocurrency exchange CEO simulator P2E game built on the Telegram mini-program platform.
JinseFinanceHamster Kombat (HMSTR) achieved a major milestone on Tuesday with its listing on Bybit, following a recent listing on OKX. This has sparked optimism and speculation that the Telegram-based game could soon be listed on Binance.
CatherineOKX will list Hamster Kombat’s HMSTR token on September 26, featuring an airdrop of 60% of the supply to active players. The token supports the game’s blockchain economy.
HafizHamster Kombat allows players to earn HMSTR tokens, but the real-money potential remains speculative and risky. Players should approach this opportunity cautiously.
DanteHoldCoin is a new play-to-earn game that challenges players to hold a button to earn in-game currency, differentiating itself from competitors with its endurance-based gameplay. However, the project raises concerns due to its anonymous team, suspicious social media activity, and potential red flags about its legitimacy and airdrop promises.
Joy
WenJunTelegram’s TON, with hundreds of millions of users, is taking the lead in developing simple, addictive, and fun games based on the blockchain.
JinseFinancePixelverse, through its PixelTap game on Telegram, has rapidly gained 15 million users and secured $5.5 million in funding from major investors, aiming to revolutionize Web3 gaming with its tap-to-earn model and upcoming $PIXFI token launch.
WeatherlyHamster Kombat 在 72 天内拥有 1.16 亿用户，提供动态仓鼠战斗和即将在 TON 区块链上发布的 TGE 代币。
ZeZhengHamster Kombat has amassed 116 million users within 72 days, offering dynamic hamster battles and the upcoming release of the TGE token on the TON blockchain.
ZeZheng