Japan: Implemented Cabinet order on the scale of businesses under the act on Promoting Competition Regarding Specific Software Used in Smartphones

On 19 December 2024, the order specifying the businesses subject to the Act on Promoting Competition Regarding Specific Software Used in Smartphones enters into force. The Act applies to providers of specific smartphone software, including basic operating systems, app stores, browsers, and search engines. Providers are subject to the Act’s obligations if they have an average monthly user base of at least 40 million in Japan, calculated based on users interacting with the software at least once per month during the fiscal year.