Android maker Google was just accused of breaking anti-monopoly guidelines in Japan.
The country’s top watchdog filed a cease and desist order for using monopoly tactics to ensure all Android smartphones featured its search engine. The matter is very similar to what we’re seeing take place in other parts of the world with Google.
The most obvious legal battle against Google is in the US, where the DOJ is working hard to prove that Google used unfair tactics, including abusing its position as market leader to stay at the top and wipe out competition. Currently, the legal case is intertwined with appeals. We expect it to continue for years until a final closure is attained.
As far as Europe is concerned, it’s more related to regulators having an issue with Google’s monopoly behavior. They’ve straight out fined the company with billions, one of the biggest fines was seen in 2018 that hit the Android maker with 4.3B Euros for adding Android restrictions.
Now, the one in Japan is unique, as this is the first time that we’ve seen the FTC go after a leading global tech giant. Furthermore, Japan is not alone in this case. It really worked hard to dig up evidence from the past two years and consult with other nations that are deeply rooted in their own specific Google battles. So they’re leading but also following.
Google Japan released a statement on this front, calling it a regrettable decision. They’re also highlighting the great innovation taking place, pointing to several investments that were made in Japan’s tech world. But the defense argument is nothing new. Google likes to lean on the contributions made locally and how popular its tools are in the country.
Image: DIW-Aigen
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The country’s top watchdog filed a cease and desist order for using monopoly tactics to ensure all Android smartphones featured its search engine. The matter is very similar to what we’re seeing take place in other parts of the world with Google.
The most obvious legal battle against Google is in the US, where the DOJ is working hard to prove that Google used unfair tactics, including abusing its position as market leader to stay at the top and wipe out competition. Currently, the legal case is intertwined with appeals. We expect it to continue for years until a final closure is attained.
As far as Europe is concerned, it’s more related to regulators having an issue with Google’s monopoly behavior. They’ve straight out fined the company with billions, one of the biggest fines was seen in 2018 that hit the Android maker with 4.3B Euros for adding Android restrictions.
Now, the one in Japan is unique, as this is the first time that we’ve seen the FTC go after a leading global tech giant. Furthermore, Japan is not alone in this case. It really worked hard to dig up evidence from the past two years and consult with other nations that are deeply rooted in their own specific Google battles. So they’re leading but also following.
Google Japan released a statement on this front, calling it a regrettable decision. They’re also highlighting the great innovation taking place, pointing to several investments that were made in Japan’s tech world. But the defense argument is nothing new. Google likes to lean on the contributions made locally and how popular its tools are in the country.
Read next: OpenAI Is Designing an Internal Prototype for an X-Style Social Network
