Google is facing increasing scrutiny from global regulatory authorities. The company has recently been found guilty of antitrust violations in Japan, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.
The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) is expected to announce that Google is in violation of Japan's antitrust laws for harming competition in the search market. The JFTC may issue a cease and desist order to curb Google's dominance in the search market.
Antitrust Concerns
The JFTC investigation, launched last October, alleges that Google's monopolistic practices stifle competition in the Japanese internet search market. These concerns mirror similar antitrust issues faced by Google in other parts of the world.
This case follows a similar active pursuit by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), which has also alleged Google has a monopoly over its search engine. The DOJ has also suggested that Google should consider selling its Chrome browser.
Similar to proceedings in the US, Google will have an opportunity to respond to the JFTC’s preliminary verdict.
Potential Impact
The outcome of this case could have a significant impact on Google's operations in Japan and may influence regulatory action against the tech giant worldwide. This could lead to a major shift in how Google operates its search engine and other related services.
The increasing pressure on tech companies to avoid anti-competition practices demonstrates a growing need for companies to adapt their strategies in order to avoid legal issues.