Japan begins probe into Google for alleged antitrust violations


Japan’s Fair Trade Commission has begun a probe centered on allegations of potential antitrust violations, an official with the agency said, confirming a Nikkei report. — Reuters

Japan’s antitrust watchdog has begun an investigation into whether Alphabet Inc’s Google abuses its market position to block rival services, compounding scrutiny of the Internet leader’s business practices across the globe.

The country’s Fair Trade Commission has begun a probe centered on allegations of potential antitrust violations, an official with the agency said, confirming a Nikkei report. It plans to solicit information and views on the matter from the public, the official added. The agency plans to examine whether Google inappropriately asked smartphone makers to prioritise its search services on their devices, the Nikkei earlier reported.

The Japanese probe comes on top of an antitrust case the US has mounted against the global search leader. Federal regulators accuse Google of abusing its dominance to block startups and larger rivals such as Microsoft Corp, a key argument in the biggest tech anti-monopoly case since the 1990s.

High-profile executives including Microsoft chief executive officer Satya Nadella and top Apple Inc dealmaker Eddy Cue have taken the stand in that trial, which isn’t expected to yield an outcome till next year. Google CEO Sundar Pichai is expected to testify in the coming weeks.

A representative for Google in Japan didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. – Bloomberg

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Tech News

Britannica didn’t just survive. It’s an AI company now
'Who's next?': Misinformation and online threats after US CEO slaying
What is (or was) 'perks culture’?
South Korean team develops ‘Iron Man’ robot that helps paraplegics walk
TikTok's rise from fun app to US security concern
Musk, president? Trump says 'not happening'
Jeff Bezos says most people should take more risks. Here’s the science that proves he’s right
Bluesky finds with growth comes growing pains – and bots
How tech created a ‘recipe for loneliness’
How data shared in the cloud is aiding snow removal

Others Also Read