7 Japanese tech industry groups back bill to regulate tech giants; Intended law to promote app competition

Seven organizations in Japan involved in the information technology industry, such as app developers, have issued a joint statement in support of a bill that would impose regulations on tech giants, such as Apple and Google, to encourage competition in smartphone software .

The statement calls for passage of the bill on the grounds that tech giants, which dominate the basic markets for smartphone software and apps, prioritize their own profits and impose excessive fees.

Japanese tech companies are in a weak position compared to American tech giants, and it is extremely rare for related groups to jointly criticize them.

The proposed new law requires Apple to open its app marketplace to other companies and prohibits unfair and discriminatory treatment of app distributors.

The Mobile Content Forum and the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association are two of the groups expressing support for the bill. The seven organizations include more than 550 companies, including major technology companies, video game companies and software developers that distribute apps.