• Investing
  • Stock
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Portfolio Performance Today
Investing

Google faces cease and desist in Japan over Android search monopoly concerns

by April 15, 2025
by April 15, 2025
Google's growth engine sputters: why Wall Street is worried about Alphabet's future

Japan’s competition watchdog has ordered Google to stop prioritising its search engine and browser on Android smartphones in a move that could reshape mobile search dominance in the country.

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) on Tuesday issued a cease and desist order against the tech giant, stating that Google’s conduct may violate the country’s Anti-Monopoly Act by restricting fair competition in mobile search services.

Since at least July 2020, the JFTC found, Google has entered licensing agreements with at least six Android smartphone manufacturers that required preferential treatment for its own search engine and browser in exchange for access to the Google Play app store.

These agreements, which reportedly affect about 80% of Android phones sold in Japan, led to manufacturers pre-installing Google Search and the Chrome browser by default.

JFTC outlines unfair business conditions since 2020

The order follows a multi-year probe that began when the JFTC noticed signs of restrictive practices embedded in Android licensing deals.

Under these terms, manufacturers were allegedly disincentivised from installing or promoting rival browsers and search engines on their devices.

The JFTC concluded that Google’s business practices “may substantially restrain competition” in the Japanese market by forcing manufacturers to offer Google’s search tools as default options.

Although the terms stopped short of explicitly banning rival services, the commission said the agreements created de facto exclusivity for Google’s offerings.

While Google has not been fined as part of the order, the company has been instructed to discontinue any contractual requirements that give undue preference to its own search and browser tools on Android phones distributed in Japan.

Antitrust scrutiny intensifies for Google in Asia

The JFTC’s ruling adds to a growing list of regulatory challenges facing Google across Asia. In 2022, South Korea’s antitrust body fined Google $177 million for allegedly blocking smartphone makers from using modified versions of Android.

Meanwhile, India’s competition watchdog last year fined Google over $160 million for anti-competitive practices involving pre-installed apps.

With Japan being the latest jurisdiction to act, analysts say the pressure is mounting for Google to reform its Android-related agreements globally.

Japan’s move is notable for targeting contracts that leverage market dominance in app stores to gain traction in search and browser services—two core pillars of Google’s advertising revenue.

Implications for users and manufacturers in Japan

The JFTC has not mandated changes to existing smartphones but said future licensing contracts must allow device makers to pre-install competing search engines and browsers without repercussions.

This could open the door for alternatives like Yahoo Japan or Microsoft’s Bing to gain greater exposure on mobile platforms in the country.

Google has not issued a formal response to the JFTC order as of Tuesday. The regulator noted that if Google complies voluntarily, no further legal action will be pursued.

However, a refusal to amend current practices could trigger additional sanctions under Japan’s competition laws.

The post Google faces cease and desist in Japan over Android search monopoly concerns appeared first on Invezz

0 comment
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

previous post
China halts Boeing jet deliveries amid rising US-China trade tensions, report says
next post
LVMH drops 8% on sales miss as geopolitics hit wine, fashion revenues; Kering, Burberry fall too

Related Posts

GMS stock jumps 29% on takeover interest from...

June 20, 2025

Japan’s rice price surge: what’s driving it and...

June 20, 2025

Foxconn and Nvidia to deploy humanoid robots in...

June 20, 2025

US stocks climb higher at open: Dow jones...

June 20, 2025

Apollo backs £4.5bn loan for delayed Hinkley Point...

June 20, 2025

Audi weighs $4.6 billion US plant amid tariff...

June 20, 2025

Tesla stock gains ahead of robotaxi launch: analyst...

June 20, 2025

BofA raises STOXX 600 target amid resilient global...

June 20, 2025

XRP price stuck under $3: can it finally...

June 20, 2025

Elon Musk confirms Tesla Robotaxi pilot launching in...

June 20, 2025

Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.

By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

Recent Posts

  • Interview: More couples embracing non-monogamy together, often led by women, says Ashley Madison’s Paul Keable

    June 22, 2025
  • Top 4 VOO ETF stocks to watch next week

    June 22, 2025
  • Is Pinterest stock a good buy as the golden cross pattern nears?

    June 22, 2025
  • Top catalysts for Dow Jones Index this week

    June 22, 2025
  • ‘Not constitutional’: Congress evokes new War Powers Resolution to reject Trump’s strikes on Iran

    June 22, 2025
  • Trump addresses nation on ‘spectacular military success’ of US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities

    June 22, 2025

Editors’ Picks

  • 1

    Meta executives eligible for 200% salary bonus under new pay structure

    February 21, 2025
  • 2

    Walmart earnings preview: What to expect before Thursday’s opening bell

    February 20, 2025
  • 3

    New FBI leader Kash Patel tapped to run ATF as acting director

    February 23, 2025
  • 4

    Anthropic’s newly released Claude 3.7 Sonnet can ‘think’ as long as the user wants before giving an answer

    February 25, 2025
  • 5

    Nvidia’s investment in SoundHound wasn’t all that significant after all

    March 1, 2025
  • 6

    Elon Musk says federal employees must fill out productivity reports or resign

    February 23, 2025
  • 7

    Cramer reveals a sub-sector of technology that can withstand Trump tariffs

    March 1, 2025

Categories

  • Economy (1,567)
  • Editor's Pick (164)
  • Investing (185)
  • Stock (1,015)
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Copyright © 2025 Portfolioperformancetoday.com All Rights Reserved.

Portfolio Performance Today
  • Investing
  • Stock
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Portfolio Performance Today
  • Investing
  • Stock
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Copyright © 2025 Portfolioperformancetoday.com All Rights Reserved.

Read alsox

Short EXR: Extra Space Storage Faces Rejection...

March 3, 2025

Long VKTX: Viking Therapeutics Poised for Reversal,...

April 29, 2025

Why Tesla stock is sliding another 4%...

April 11, 2025