Japan launches an antitrust probe into Google search business

The Japan Fair Trade Commission has launched an antitrust probe into Google’s search business, following similar investigations by other countries. The agency is investigating allegations that the tech giant sets its search app and Chrome browser default on Android smartphones.

Since Android is a Google product, many Google apps come as default on all smartphones produced by different companies. While it didn’t seem like a problem for many years, the EU, US, and Asian watchdogs are now prompted to investigate the tech giant over monopoly. Google currently holds over 90% of the world’s search market, and establishing itself as the default search engine on billions of Android devices has made its reign unshakable. Google also pays over $20 billion a year to Apple to stay as the default search option on Safari.

The Japan Fair Trade Commission confirmed on Monday that no illegal activity by Google is found at this point, but the investigation continues. The agency also said it’s gathering inputs from outside parties like smartphone users.

Google faces an antitrust probe in Japan over its default apps on Android devices

According to the antitrust watchdog, Google has forced Android manufacturers to make the search app and Chrome browser the default apps on devices. Also, Google allegedly specified where those apps should appear on the device screens. Companies that don’t agree to these conditions could have their access to the Play Store cut off by Google.

The antitrust documents also revealed Google signed an agreement with Android manufacturers to prevent them from installing rival firms’ apps (like Bing) on their devices. In exchange, Google gives them a portion of revenues generated through search-linked advertisements.

In response, Google said it lets users “customize devices in accordance with their needs.” The company also noted it would collaborate with the Japan watchdog.

Japan’s antitrust probe comes on the heels of similar investigations by the European Union, the United States, and South Korea. The EU has tightened its grip on Google and other tech giants with the Digital Markets Act. Likewise, the US Justice Department is investigating Google over its monopoly in the search and app market. The South Korea Communications Commission (KCC) has also launched a probe into Google over Play Store payment methods.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has already said Google’s dominance in the search market is crushing Bing as a business and a product.