Effective December 18, 2025, a new Japanese law prohibits Google from blocking third-party app stores on Android devices.
The legislation aims to curtail the market dominance of tech giants and expand user choice. It seeks to foster a more competitive environment for apps, web browsers, and search engines. The Fair Trade Commission of Japan (FTC) stated the goal is to allow new entrants, providing users access to higher-quality services at potentially more reasonable prices.
While the law aims to improve convenience, concerns persist regarding user security. Critics note that alternative services may lack protections as robust as Google’s, raising questions about consistent security maintenance across different app stores.