Japan hits Google with antitrust action as it strengthens scrutiny on big tech firms

TOKYO -- Japan's anti-trust authority said on Monday that it has taken its first action against Google for possible unfair activities against its Japanese rival, as Tokyo tightens its grip on digital platformers.

The Japan Fair Trade Commission approved the plan submitted by Google that the company commits to not restricting its technology provision under the contract to Yahoo, a Japanese online platform now under the umbrella of LY Corp. Google will conduct regular inspections inviting outside experts and report annually to the commission on the implementation of the measures for three years.