Japan to crack down on Apple and Google app store monopolies (asia.nikkei.com)

Article summary

Japan is preparing regulations to require tech giants like Apple and Google to allow outside app stores and payments on their mobile operating systems. This move aims to curb abuse of their dominant position in the Japanese market. The regulations would allow third-party app platforms and billing systems, giving users more options. This is part of a broader effort to address antitrust concerns and promote competition in the tech industry.

Main themes

• app store monopolies
• antitrust regulations
• tech industry competition
• country-specific regulations
• game console markets
• pharmaceutical pricing
• mobile device ecosystems
• regulatory precedent

What commenters say

• Some argue that tech giants' monopolies will crumble once a large country starts regulating them, as it sets a precedent for others to follow.
• Others believe that tech companies can maintain their profits in certain countries by making carveouts on a country-by-country basis.
• The idea that Google supports aftermarket app stores is disputed, with some arguing that they create hurdles to discourage their use.
• There is a debate about whether the US is subsidizing low drug costs in other countries through its high drug prices.
• Some think that regulations should also apply to other closed platforms, such as game consoles.
• Others argue that game consoles are a different market from mobile devices and should not be subject to the same regulations.
• It is suggested that tech companies' dominance is not just about market share, but also about the barriers they create to prevent competition.
• The notion that phones and game consoles are in the same market is contested, with some arguing that they have different use cases and capabilities.