Google accused of violating antimonopoly law in Japan
The tech giant could face fines of up to ¥300 million ($1.9 million) if it fails to comply with the country's rules.
For years, Google has faced mounting scrutiny over its dominance in search and advertising, with regulators across the globe demanding answers. Now, Japan’s Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) is stepping into the fray, accusing the tech giant of anti-competitive practices that could reshape its operations in the country.
The JFTC alleges that Google forced smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its Chrome and Search apps in exchange for access to the Google Play Store. The company also reportedly shared ad revenue with manufacturers under the condition that rival search engines were excluded from default settings. The watchdog claims these practices unfairly restricted competition and violated Japan’s antimonopoly law.
This investigation, which began in October 2023, marks the first time a GAFA company (Google, Apple, Facebook/Meta, Amazon) in Japan has faced a cease-and-desist order. If enforced, Google would be required to dissolve these agreements and could face fines of up to ¥300 million ($1.9 million) if it fails to comply.
With an 81% share of Japan’s mobile search market—compared to Yahoo’s 11.8%—Google’s dominance has raised concerns about stifled competition and reduced consumer choice. Critics argue that such monopolistic practices not only harm innovation but also limit the market access of smaller players.
Globally, this case adds to mounting antitrust challenges for Google. In the U.S., the Department of Justice (DOJ) is pushing for the divestiture of Chrome to curb its monopoly, while the EU has imposed over €9 billion ($9.35 billion) in fines in recent years. These parallel cases reflect growing resistance to Big Tech’s unchecked influence.
While Google has not commented on these charges from the JTFC, its response may shape the outcome of this pivotal case. Additionally, whether this case levels the playing field for competitors or sets a precedent for further regulation remains to be seen. For now, Japan has joined a global chorus calling for accountability from one of the world’s most dominant tech companies.
Kelechi Edeh
