- Google has announced its approach for Japan regarding the “Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software,” effective from Thursday, December 18, 2025.
- The “Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software” is not a law enacted for users, but rather for promoting free competition and revitalization of the smartphone market, primarily targeting Google and Apple.
- Changes will be implemented in three key areas: free choice of browsers and search engines, the introduction of third-party payment systems outside of “Google Play” and the “App Store,” and the liberalization of app distribution and external purchases.
On Thursday, December 18, 2025, Google and its Japanese entity, Google Japan, announced their initiatives for Japan in response to the “Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software,” which came into effect on the same day.
The “Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software”
To begin with, the “Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software” is not a law enacted for users.
Instead, it was established to promote free competition and revitalization in the smartphone market, primarily targeting Google and Apple. Previously, app developers were being exploited by Google and Apple because app installations and payment methods were forced through “Google Play” and the “App Store,” which charged high fees. This exploitation by Google and Apple ultimately became a burden on users.The “Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software” was enacted to alleviate such market monopolies.
With this law in effect, changes will be made in three key areas: the free choice of browsers and search engines, the deployment of third-party payment systems that bypass “Google Play” and the “App Store,” and the liberalization of app distribution and external purchases.
Free Choice of Browsers and Search Engines
Until now, users on Android and iOS could specify their browser app and default search engine, but they had to do so proactively.
However, after the “Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software” comes into effect, a screen for setting the browser app and default search engine will be displayed during setup, changing the process to a passive one for the user. Of course, it will still be possible to change these settings later, as before.
Third-Party Payment Systems
Previously, in-app purchases for apps installed from “Google Play” or the “App Store” were semi-mandated to go through these respective platforms.
However, with the new law in effect, developers can now offer third-party payment systems alongside “Google Play” and the “App Store.” This will expand the choice of payment methods for in-app purchases.
Liberalization of App Distribution and External Purchases
Previously, while Android allowed the installation of so-called “sideloaded” apps from APK files, it was not a recommended practice, and iOS did not have such a system at all.
As a result, app developers were semi-forced to distribute their apps through “Google Play” and the “App Store.” However, after the new law takes effect, developers will have more freedom, as they can distribute and sell apps from sources other than “Google Play” and the “App Store” for installation on Android and iOS devices.
Combined with third-party payment systems, this will also lead to a reduction in sales commissions for paid apps, which were previously a point of exploitation by “Google Play” and the “App Store.”
Google’s Approach
While the enforcement of the “Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software” increases freedom, there are concerns about heightened security risks to the safety that was strictly protected and guaranteed by “Google Play” and the “App Store.”
However, Google considers maintaining the safety and security of the ecosystem developed on its platform a top priority. The company plans to continue implementing risk mitigation measures, while also considering the exceptions provided for in the law based on legitimate reasons for cybersecurity, privacy, and user safety protection.
Source: Google
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