The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has issued a cease and desist order to Google, accusing the tech giant of unfair trade practices in its dealings with Android device manufacturers.
The Allegations Behind the Order
On April 15, 2025, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) took a significant step in regulating Google’s business practices by issuing a cease and desist order against the company. The action stems from allegations that Google violated Japan’s anti-monopoly laws by pressuring Android device manufacturers to prioritize its search services and apps, including Google Search and Chrome, on their devices.
In essence, Google required companies like Samsung, Lenovo, and others, which produce Android devices such as smartphones and tablets, to enter into licensing agreements. These agreements, which were necessary for manufacturers to preinstall Google’s apps (including the Play Store), also stipulated that Google’s services should be prominently featured on these devices. The JFTC claims this arrangement has unfairly sidelined competing search engines, stifling competition.
What Does This Mean for Android Manufacturers?
The JFTC’s move targets Google’s influence over Android manufacturers, effectively forcing them to adopt Google’s search services at the expense of rivals. As of December 2024, the Commission identified at least six such licensing agreements in effect, each cementing Google’s dominance in the Android ecosystem.
For manufacturers, this could mean more significant restrictions and fewer options when it comes to integrating competing search services into their devices. With Android being one of the most widely used mobile operating systems globally, the JFTC’s action highlights the significant power Google holds over the market.
Similar Actions in the U.S. and UK
Japan’s antitrust actions align with similar regulatory crackdowns that Google has faced in other major markets. The U.S. and the UK have also investigated Google over allegations of monopolistic practices related to its search engine dominance. In both regions, regulators have scrutinized Google’s business practices, particularly in how the company’s app and service preinstallation agreements could unfairly limit competition.
The global trend of heightened scrutiny over Google’s practices is seen as an effort by authorities to ensure that consumers have access to a more diverse range of options when using Android devices. As a result, the Japanese ruling may be just the latest in a series of regulatory challenges for the company in multiple markets.
The Bigger Picture: Global Antitrust Scrutiny
This case is part of a broader trend where large tech companies, particularly Google, are facing increasing scrutiny from regulators across the globe. With digital services becoming more integrated into daily life, authorities are becoming more vigilant about how tech giants influence markets. The push to address monopolistic practices in the tech industry is not just about limiting the power of one company but about ensuring that consumers have access to fair and competitive options.
Regulators in the European Union, the U.S., and the UK have already made strides in challenging big tech firms, and the Japanese action reinforces the trend of tightening regulatory control over the industry.
What’s Next for Google?
While Google has yet to respond directly to the JFTC’s order, the company will likely face further challenges in Japan. The cease and desist order could lead to greater scrutiny over Google’s agreements with manufacturers and may lead to changes in how it approaches its relationships with Android device makers. The tech giant has already faced significant pressure in the U.S. and Europe to adjust its business practices, and Japan’s action could be the beginning of a new wave of regulatory challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.
For now, Google will have to reassess its strategy in Japan, balancing its need to maintain its market dominance with the pressure from regulators seeking to promote fair competition.
