Japan orders Google to stop alleged antitrust violations

Google is under the microscope again — this time in Japan. The country’s Fair Trade Commission has issued a cease-and-desist order against the tech giant, claiming it may have broken Japan’s antitrust laws.

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The order, signed Tuesday, alleges that Google pressured Japanese smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its apps on Android devices, specifically Google Chrome and the Play Store. A senior investigator speaking to The Japan Timessaid the practice made it "difficult for other competing search engines to be used on Android phones."

This is a notable first for Japan — it’s the country’s first antitrust move against one of the major U.S. tech players. And while the timing of the antitrust action coincides with tariff-related trade talks between Japan and the United States, a press release from the Japanese Fair Trade Commission states that the investigation into Google's business practices began in October 2023.

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The investigation found that Google required manufacturers to preinstall Google apps and offered extra ad revenue to companies that complied with these conditions. According to The Japan Times, the company had such agreements with six manufacturers, accounting for roughly 80% of smartphones produced in Japan.

The cease and desist order instructs Google to end these practices or risk facing financial penalties.

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The company has also faced antitrust action in the United States and the European Union.