Japan Takes a Stand: New Regulations to Break Big Tech's App Store Monopoly

Japan Moves Closer to Requiring Third-Party App Stores

Date: May 16, 2025

The Japanese Fair Trade Commission (FTC) is planning to enforce regulations similar to Europe's App Store rules for Big Tech companies like Apple and Google by December 18, 2025. The new Mobile Software Competition Act includes draft subordinate legislations that require these firms to:

• Allow third-party app stores
• Permit alternative payment methods
• Not favor their own apps or services
• Enable users to choose default apps
• Allow free movement between apps and platforms
• Grant developers access to the same OS functions as Apple and Google

The regulations also prohibit unjust use of acquired user data. The FTC recognizes potential security and privacy issues and requires companies to create systems for regulatory disclosure. Public consultation in Japanese is open until June 13, with finalized guidelines expected by July's end.

Apple has not commented on the latest document but previously defended its App Store rules as fair and transparent during the FTC's investigations.