The only potential game-changer? If AI search options like OpenAI's ChatGPT Search or Anthropic's Perplexity become viable alternatives, or if smartphones featuring them are introduced to the Japanese market.

Therefore, this cease-and-desist order from the JFTC is unlikely to have a significant impact on the Japanese search market. Users will likely continue to choose Google Search and the Chrome browser regardless.

🌐 Japan joins other global regulators scrutinizing Google's dominance.
With 80% of Android phones in Japan affected, the JFTC's move echoes the EU’s and US's antitrust efforts.
Big Tech’s search monopoly is now facing pushback from all directions. #techregulation #Google

🧾 The order requires Google to:

Cease those contract terms

Notify its partners of the changes

Establish internal guidelines for compliance

Undergo independent monitoring for 5 years
This is a major intervention in digital platform behavior. #regulation

🇯🇵 The JFTC found these practices to be in violation of Article 19 of Japan’s Anti-Monopoly Act:

“Unjustly restricting the business activities of trading partners.”
This conduct discouraged competition and reduced consumer choice in the search market. #Japan #antitrust

💰 Google also made revenue-sharing deals with OEMs and carriers.
In exchange for a cut of ad revenue from Google Search, they agreed not to install or promote rival search services — nor even suggest users change default search settings. #Android

📱 Here's how it worked:
To preinstall the Google Play Store, Android smartphone makers had to agree to also preinstall Google Search and Chrome — and place them on the home screen.
These conditions effectively blocked other search engines from being used or promoted. #competition

On April 15, 2025, Japan's Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) issued a Cease and Desist Order to Google LLC for violating the Anti-Monopoly Act.
The issue? Google unfairly restricted smartphone makers and carriers from implementing rival search services on Android devices sold in Japan. #antitrust #Google