Japan: Japan Fair Trade Commission and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry amendments to Enforcement Regulations of Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software (Act No. 58 of 2024) enter into force

On 18 December 2025, the amendments to the Enforcement Regulations of the Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software (Act No. 58 of 2024) enter into force, on the same day as the Main Act itself. The order applies to "designated business operators", defined as large companies that control smartphone platforms and meet specific criteria. Several revisions enter into force, organised into five chapters. Designated businesses must establish complaint-handling procedures for developers, internal oversight, and a liaison officer in Japan. They must also submit annual reports to the FTC on access denials, compliance measures, and term changes. Penalties are calculated based on revenue during the violation period. Businesses can propose "Elimination Measures Plans" to address FTC suspicions. Approval requires proof of reliability and sufficiency. Additionally, parties may appeal FTC decisions within one week.