Unlocking Mobile Markets: What Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act Means for Global Tech
August 15, 2025
Key Words: Japan Smartphone Software Act, Smartphone Software Competition Promotion Act Japan, Mobile Software Competition Act, JFTC ex‑ante regulation, Specified Software Japan, Designated Providers Japan, App Store Regulation Japan, Alternative Payment Systems Japan, Default Settings Choice Japan, Data Misuse Prohibition Japan, Search Preferencing Ban Japan, Alternative App Stores Japan, Mobile Ecosystem Competition Japan, Digital Markets Regulation Japan, Smartphone Antitrust Japan, Japan Digital Platform Law, JFTC Enforcement Mechanisms Japan, Mobile Platform Fairness Japan, Big Tech Rule Japan, International Compliance Japan, Platform Governance Japan, Transparency in Mobile Software Japan
I. INTRODUCTION[1]
Japan’s Smartphone Software Competition Promotion Act—also known as the Mobile Software Competition Act—was enacted in June 2024 and is set to become fully enforceable on December 18, 2025.[2] This introduces Japan’s ex‑ante regulatory framework for smartphone software, aiming to prevent gatekeeping practices that inhibit competition and consumer choice.
For dominant platform players, these new ex‑ante rules mark a material shift. As explained in Section II below, the Act will require proactive compliance with rules on app distribution, payment systems, and default settings. This may increase operational burdens, delay product rollouts, and necessitate governance and monitoring infrastructure.
In contrast, developers or service providers without entrenched positions may find new market openings. By designing offerings that comply with the framework, they may be able to leverage a more level playing field. The following sections will explain the objectives and key provisions of the new Act.
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[1] This communication is provided as a service to our clients and friends and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship or constitute an advertisement, a solicitation, or professional advice as to any particular situation.
[2] Please refer to “Enactment of Japan’s Smartphone Software Competition Promotion Act: Paving the Way for Fair Competition and Game Publisher Growth” for a comprehensive analysis of the law’s enactment and its particularly significant impact on game publishers.