TOKYO, April 26, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Japan's cabinet approved Friday legislation
that would slap major fines on tech giants like Google or Apple if they block
access to third-party smartphone apps and payment systems.

Similar to the European Union's new Digital Markets Act, behaviour deemed
anti-competitive could see operators fined up to 20 percent of their revenues
in Japan.

Under the legislation set to be debated by lawmakers, they would also have to
act fairly and make operating systems, browsers and search engines available
for all.

"The legislation is urgently needed in order for Japan, the US, and Europe to
keep pace with each other and ensure fair competition in the digital field,"
said government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi.

"Smartphones have become the foundation of people's daily lives and economic
activities.

"For those specific softwares like applications stores that are particularly
necessary for smartphone use, we will improve the competitive environment,
encourage innovations, and realise consumer choice while also ensuring
security," he said.