The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has issued an order to Google to stop unfair trade practices in the field of search services on devices with the Android operating system. The regulator found that the American company violated Japan’s antitrust laws, informs CNBC.
According to the commission, Google, through licensing agreements, forced manufacturers of Android devices to install and highlight their search applications and services. Although the company is an Android developer, some manufacturers, including Samsung and Lenovo, require a special license to install Google services. According to the JFTC, at least six such contracts were in effect as of December 2024.
In addition, the regulator found that Google prohibited device manufacturers from installing competitors’ search services, linking it to the terms of participation in the distribution of advertising revenues. Under Japanese antitrust laws, it is prohibited to impose trade terms that unfairly restrict the freedom of action of business partners.
The JFTC is calling on Google to stop requiring mandatory installation and priority placement of its services on smartphones, and to loosen restrictions on the terms of sharing advertising revenue. In addition, the company must appoint an independent third party to monitor the implementation of the prescription for the next five years and report to the Commission.
At the same time, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) continues its antitrust investigation against Google, demanding the forced sale of the Chrome browser and limiting the influence of Android in order to restore competition in the search market. Court hearings in the case are scheduled for April 2025, and a decision is expected by August. Google opposes the proposed measures, saying they could harm consumers and national security.
