Check of Apple and Google

The Japanese government intends to inspect Apple and Google for violations of antitrust laws and obstruction of fair competition. The Nikkei newspaper reported this on Sunday.

According to the newspaper, a government commission will launch an investigation this month into how Apple and Google interact with Japanese smartphone and software makers. The US IT giants are believed to be using their dominant position to stifle competition, including forcing competitors to install Google and Apple search tools and apps as standard equipment.

Apple iOS and Google Android operating system software have a 90% share of the Japanese market. If any irregularities or suspicious transactions are found, the Japanese government could tighten antitrust laws, the newspaper explains.

In April the European Commission (EC) accused Apple of violating European antitrust rules in the music streaming industry, which leads to additional costs for users of the American company's devices and competitive losses for European streaming platforms. Apple faces a fine of 10% of its annual revenue. The EC is also conducting two other investigations, including into the Apple Pay payment system and the gaming app market.