July 30, 2025
Japan Fair Trade Commission
Today, I would like to talk about the following matters: (1) Signing of Cooperation Arrangement with the European Commission and (2) Publication of Cabinet Order, JFTC Rules, and Guidelines under the Mobile Software Competition Act.
Signing of Cooperation Arrangement with the European Commission
On Wednesday, July 23, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) signed a Cooperation Arrangement with the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology of European Commission (DG CONNECT) and the Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission (DG COMPETITION) regarding Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act and the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The European Commission has been implementing the DMA since November 2022. To prepare for the enforcement of the Mobile Software Competition Act, the JFTC has actively gathered information and shared insights with the European Commission through regular online meetings and by dispatching its officials to the DMA-related departments of the Commission. This Arrangement is intended to maintain and further strengthen such cooperation between the Japan and EU authorities.
In addition, the Joint Statement issued at the Japan-EU Summit 2025, held in Tokyo on the same day as the signing of the Arrangement (July 23), included a reference welcoming the signing of this Arrangement.
The JFTC aims to further develop and enhance its cooperative relationships not only under the Antimonopoly Act but also under the Mobile Software Competition Act with the European Commission and other foreign authorities, in order to promote innovation and maintain a competitive environment in the digital sector.
Publication of Cabinet Order, JFTC Rules, and Guidelines under the Mobile Software Competition Act
The finalized Cabinet Order, JFTC Rules, and Guidelines under the Mobile Software Competition Act (the Act) were published yesterday.
The provision for the designation of providers subject to the Act came into effect in advance on December 19 last year. In March this year, three operators—Apple Inc., iTunes K.K., and Google LLC—were designated as providers subject to the Act. The full implementation of the Act, including provisions such as prohibited conduct for designated providers, is scheduled for December 18 this year.
In preparation for the full implementation of the Act, the JFTC requested public comments from May 15 to June 13 on the proposed Cabinet Order, JFTC Rules, and Guidelines required under the Act. Following this process, on July 29, the finalized versions of these documents, along with the results of the public comments, were published.
To ensure the smooth and full implementation of the Act, it is essential that designated providers and other relevant businesses fully understand the content of the Act and take appropriate steps to comply with it. To support this process, the Mobile Software Competition Act Guidelines, published this time, clearly set out the JFTC’s views on the enforcement of the Act, including over 100 illustrative examples of prohibited conduct and justifications.
As the full implementation of the Act approaches, the JFTC will continue to maintain close communication with designated providers and other relevant businesses, while also working closely with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure effective enforcement of the Act. In addition, the JFTC will steadily promote public awareness of the Act, including through outreach on topics of broad relevance to consumers—such as the display of choice screens for smartphone browsers and search applications.
(Tentative translation)
