Alphabet Inc. is reportedly preparing to challenge allegations by Japan’s Fair Trade Commission that it engages in anticompetitive practices.
The JFTC claims Google coerced smartphone manufacturers into prioritizing Google Search in default screen placements, which could obstruct fair competition.
A cease-and-desist order has been issued to Google’s Japan office, marking an escalation in global scrutiny over the company’s business practices.
Google has faced similar antitrust issues worldwide, with Japan joining other jurisdictions in addressing the tech giant’s market dominance.
Major technology companies like Google are increasingly under scrutiny from regulators globally for allegedly using their control over data and market dominance to stifle competition.
“We have continued to work closely with the Japanese government to demonstrate how we are supporting the Android ecosystem and expanding user choice in Japan,” Google said in a statement without providing details of the allegations.
“We will present our arguments in the hearing process,” it said, adding it was “disappointed” and the FTC didn’t give enough consideration of the company’s proposed solution. The company didn’t elaborate.
Earlier this year, the antitrust regulator slapped Google with an administrative order, saying that it used tactics that limited local rival Yahoo Japan’s ability to compete in targeted search ads
