What will change with Japan’s first attempt at regulating Big Tech?

Dec. 18 will mark the enforcement of a new law aimed at curtailing the dominance of big conglomerates on the supply of technology services and fostering competition in the Japanese market. But how far is the law going, and what will change for consumers?

The bill — approved by Parliament unanimously in June 2024 after quick deliberations — is Japan’s first full-fledged attempt at regulating Big Tech.

While a previous law, enacted in 2021, urged platforms to improve their business practices and regularly report their endeavors, the new bill goes further, potentially altering the rules of the game.