Aligning Apple with the EU or being forced to open a third-party app store in Japan
Since Apple was forced to open a third-party app store in the European Union, another country is ready to attack Apple.
Recently, the Japanese Congress was discussing a proposal, which was modeled on the EU's Digital Market Law. Its core focus was to require the global technology giant Apple to open its App Store to break the existing market pattern. The proposal was first put forward in 2023. After a long time of deliberation and discussion, it has now entered the formal agenda of the Japanese Parliament.
AppStore
According to the latest report of the Japan Times, the bill aimed at promoting competition and reducing the price of apps is expected to be passed in both houses of Congress. The Japanese government believes that the dominant position of Apple and Google in the digital market has formed a duopoly, and the high fees they charge developers are finally passed on to ordinary users.
However, it is worth noting that the Japanese government has a clear plan for the scope of application of the Act. Although foreign technology giants such as Apple and Google will undoubtedly become the main objects of the bill, the Japanese government does not intend to include any Japanese local enterprises in the supervision scope of the bill. This decision is undoubtedly a protection for the domestic science and technology industry, and also reflects the importance of the Japanese government on the development of local enterprises.
With the closing of the current Japanese Congress on June 23, 2024, whether the bill is passed or not has become the focus of attention. If the bill can be passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, it will become a landmark law and have a profound impact on the global digital market.
Unlike many other countries, this bill of Japan does not need to be signed by the Emperor to become a law. However, even if the bill is passed, according to the regulations, the law is expected to come into force in 2025. This will leave enough time for relevant enterprises and markets to adapt to the new market rules, and also provide more time for the government to improve relevant regulatory measures.
The proposal and deliberation process of this bill is undoubtedly an important reflection of the Japanese government's in-depth reflection and active adjustment of the digital market. It is expected to break the existing market monopoly, promote competition and innovation, and bring more choices and benefits to consumers.
All rights reserved. No reproduction without permission
(This article is from Mobile China)
