Japan has officially enacted a landmark mobile software competition law, compelling industry titans Apple and Google to adhere to stringent new regulations governing their App Store and Google Play ecosystems.
Designated as the inaugural “specified providers,” Apple and Google must now navigate a legal landscape that directly challenges their platform exclusivity. According to reports from PocketGamer, this mandate necessitates the authorization of third-party marketplaces, the integration of alternative payment gateways, and the freedom for developers to promote off-platform incentives via external links.
Under these regulations, these dominant tech firms are prohibited from practicing self-preferencing. They are required to grant third-party developers equitable access to essential APIs and hardware functionalities while significantly bolstering their operational transparency.
This legislative shift is poised to fundamentally disrupt the mobile commerce market. By allowing software distribution outside of traditional storefronts, the law empowers developers to implement independent pricing strategies and forge direct relationships with their audience, effectively bypassing the gatekeeping of device manufacturers.
Source: iXBT.games