The government of Japan said it’s considering new regulations to ensure fair app store competition amid the dominance of companies like Apple and Google. In response, Apple insisted its practices do not limit competitors.
Japan considers new app store regulations
Japanese regulators have scrutinized both Apple and Google. Officials conducted an antitrust investigation into the two companies in 2021.
And Japan’s council on digital market competition recently published an interim report saying the dominance of Apple and Google can affect app developers and other businesses, according to Japan Times.
The report recommends authorities consider legislation to limit Apple and Google’s ability to change market conditions.
“It’s important to ensure innovation by various entities and provide consumers with opportunities to choose options,” said Japan’s chief cabinet secretary and council chair.
Apple responds
Apple has already responded regarding the report’s findings.
“We respectfully disagree with a number of conclusions [in the report],” Cupertino said. The company argued it never takes the position of market leader and it faces “intense competition in every business segment” where it works.
Apple faces a range of antitrust investigations, lawsuits and new legislation in various parts of the world. And in the U.S., there is broad support for legislation that could force Apple to open the iPhone to sideloading via third-party app stores. The company has spent record sums on lobbying against such proposals.
Google said in a statement it is cooperating with Japanese authorities and plans to further examine the interim report.
