In a significant regulatory action, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (FTC) on Tuesday issued a cease-and-desist order to Google LLC, citing violations of Japanese antitrust laws. The agency’s investigation revealed that Google had signed agreements with at least six smartphone manufacturers, requiring them to preinstall the company’s search engine and Chrome browser on Android devices sold in Japan.
According to the FTC, these deals covered at least 80% of all Android devices sold in the country. The arrangements allegedly limited fair competition by ensuring Google’s services were the default, effectively reducing user exposure to alternative search engines and browsers.
Further scrutiny showed that Google also entered into revenue-sharing agreements with four manufacturers and one telecommunications firm. Under these contracts, the partners received ad revenue on the condition that they did not preinstall or promote competing search services.
The commission found that these practices restricted market choices and suppressed potential rivals, violating Japan’s Anti-Monopoly Act. Google has been ordered to halt such conduct immediately. The development marks Japan’s latest step in tightening regulatory oversight of global tech giants.
The company is yet to issue a formal response.
