Japan’s antitrust watchdog found that Google’s licensing agreements require Android device makers to preinstall and prominently feature Google Search and Chrome|Anthony Quintano|CC BY 2.0
Japan’s Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) issued a cease-and-desist order against Google on Tuesday, accusing it of violating anti-monopoly laws by forcing Android device makers to prioritize its search engines.
The antitrust watchdog found that, as of December 2024, Google had at least six licensing agreements requiring Android device makers, including Samsung and Lenovo, to preinstall and prominently feature Google Search and Chrome in exchange for access to its Play Store and ad revenue.
The commission’s orders indicated that Google should relax ad revenue restrictions, allow manufacturers to choose search services freely, and appoint a third-party monitor for five years to ensure compliance.
It is Japan’s first antitrust action against a major US tech company. The move follows similar actions against Google in Britain and America.