Google gets Japanese corrective order over app preinstallations on Android phones
( April 15, 2025, 07:40 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: Google received a cease-and-desist order today for requiring Android phone manufacturers and Japanese mobile carriers to preinstall its app store and search engine, a violation of Japan’s Antimonopoly Act. As well as requiring companies to preinstall Google Play and Google Search, the company also prohibited the installation of rival search apps in exchange for sharing search-related ad revenues. Japan’s competition watchdog said the practices constitute trading restrictive terms, a form of unfair trade practice. The US tech giant has been told to stop the practices by amending its mobile application distribution agreements and revenue-sharing agreements. The statement is attached....
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