Japan adjusts regulations to end monopoly of Apple and Google

Japanese officials say the new law will force the largest suppliers of smart mobile operating systems, including Apple and Google, to allow third-party app stores to run on these operating systems if they are identified as safe. In addition, the new law will not allow operators to force app developers to use their payment gateways and could impose penalties for violations.

In response to the plan, Apple’s Japan office objected to many of the proposals in the plan, stressing that the regulation would “put at risk” the company’s ability to support app developers, as well as as the ability to protect user privacy and security. Apple said it will discuss further with the government.

Similarly, the Google Japan office said it would “promote constructive discussions with industry and government stakeholders”. The move to tighten regulations comes after Google urged the government to take a cautious stance to ensure the interests of consumers and not lose the innovation motivation of application developers.

Currently, Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS dominate the operating system market. As a result, customers will be forced to use the respective Google Play and App Store stores, while app developers must also comply with the policies and regulations set forth by the two tech giants.

Japanese officials argue that this makes the fees that app developers pay to Google and Apple quite high, and the application screening process is not transparent enough, while this also hinders efforts to innovate new applications. mobile applications and limit consumer choice. However, opening the door to new app stores also raises safety concerns, due to potential risks to the security of personal data, and can facilitate new applications. Malicious apps spread.