Google Battles Japanese Antitrust Claims Over Search Practices

Alphabet Inc.'s Google is preparing to defend itself against allegations from the Japanese government that it engages in anticompetitive practices within the country's search market, reports Bloomberg. Japan's Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has issued a cease-and-desist order to Google's Japan office, alleging that the company has unfairly stifled competition, as reported by Bloomberg, which confirmed an earlier report by Nikkei.

The JFTC claims that Google has prioritized its own search engine by pressuring smartphone manufacturers to default to Google Search on devices, thereby hindering rival search providers. Google is now preparing to contest these allegations.

"We have continued to work closely with the Japanese government to demonstrate how we are supporting the Android ecosystem and expanding user choice in Japan," Google said in a statement to Bloomberg, while declining to detail the specific allegations. "We will present our arguments in the hearing process." Google also expressed disappointment with the JFTC's decision, suggesting that the regulator did not adequately consider Google's proposed solutions to address the alleged anticompetitive practices.

Google's battle in Japan is part of a broader global trend of regulators cracking down on Big Tech companies over concerns about their dominance and anticompetitive behavior. Regulators worldwide are scrutinizing the power wielded by companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon, focusing on issues such as data control, market share, and their potential impact on competition.

Earlier this year, the JFTC issued an administrative order against Google, accusing the company of using tactics that disadvantaged Yahoo Japan in the targeted search advertising market. Google is now prepared to challenge the JFTC's latest cease-and-desist order, aiming to defend its practices and its position within the Japanese search market.