Japan: Designation of Google, Meta and Yahoo under the Act on Improving Transparency and Fairness of Digital Platforms

On 3 October 2022, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI) included Google, Meta and Yahoo in a list of businesses designated as “specified digital platform providers” under the 2020 Act on Improving Transparency and Fairness of Digital Platforms. Pursuant to the Act, specified digital platform providers are required to disclose certain information, such as terms and conditions as well as transaction conditions. Furthermore, the specified platforms are obliged to develop certain procedures and systems ensuring fairness and transparency. Finally, the digital platform providers are required to submit an annual report to METI on taken regarding transparency and fairness. Google, Meta and Yahoo were included as specified digital platform providers in their role as platforms for digital advertisements, while Google was also included for its role as a platform intermediary between advertisers and website operators.