Google and Apple enjoy a competitive advantage in contrast to many others in the mobile OS and apps market. Just recently, the Japanese competition regulation has suggested some major alterations in the local laws that will modify the oligopoly enjoyed by the tech giants i.e., Apple and Google.
Yesterday, the Fair Trade Commission Japan issued a report. The report was about the market Study Research on Mobile OS and Mobile App Distribution. The report indicated that besides SymbianOS which holds a calculable existence in the region, Apple and Google rule the markets for smartphones, mobile OS, smartwatches, and app stores.
The Four points
To address this, the regulator has recommended four action points.
The first action point indicates that there should be a stoppage to self-preferencing in the app market as well as in smartphone-related marketplaces. It suggests the steps that will enable third-party developers to gain access to similar levels of OS functions as they are presented to Google and Apple’s developers. In addition to this, the regulatory suggested that considering app purchases and in-app purchases, access to third-party payment services should be granted.
The number two set of reforms demands the promotion of a healthy competitive ecosystem within the mobile OS market and app distribution service market. It also addresses the enhanced transportability of user data between OS.
The third suggested point of action states that the rules should be designed in a way that ensures fairness and equality in the mobile ecosystem. It has demanded Apple and Google share more details and information with the developers whenever there is a modification in the rules.
Last but not the least, the fourth point recommends that for the creation of new ecosystems, a competitive environment should be promoted.
Besides Japan, there are many other countries on the list
Well, Japan is not the only country that has come forward with such suggestions. Previously, many other regions and countries have demanded some major changes in the same markets. South Korea has considered being the leader in this perspective since it took the lead by introducing laws that necessitate the access of third-party payment systems to app stores. Australia has questioned app stores regarding market confusion. In India, Google was charged with a fine regarding the monopoly between the app store and the play store. In the last week, the US Commerce Department has identified the Play store and app store model as dangerous to consumers and developers. Besides this, the EU has also taken action in order to expand the app market.
It appears that change is on its way. We could soon come across some major modifications in the mobile OS and app markets. However, the recent report by Japan is merely a report. There is no set time period defined that details how these action points should be implemented.
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