Japan JFTC News

Japan Investigates Microsoft Azure Antitrust Violations

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has opened an investigation into Microsoft Corporation, Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd., and Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited for suspected violations of the Antimonopoly Act related to Microsoft Azure cloud services. The investigation focuses on allegations that Microsoft restricts enterprises from using its software in combination with competing cloud services, either by prohibiting combined use or by modifying trade terms to increase user costs when used with competitors. The JFTC is seeking information and comments from third parties by April 3, 2026.

Generative AI and Competition: Market Study Report Version 2.0

The Japan Fair Trade Commission published the Report Regarding Generative AI Version 2.0, updating its October 2024 market study on generative AI markets. The report adds an overview of the autonomous driving market and reorganizes issues under the Antimonopoly Act based on information collected from approximately 30 stakeholders including domestic and foreign enterprises, experts, relevant ministries and agencies, and overseas authorities. The JFTC will continue to address specific cases identified as problematic under the Antimonopoly Act and will actively coordinate with relevant government agencies to ensure a fair competitive environment in generative AI markets.

JFTC Issues Cease and Desist Orders and Surcharge Payment Orders to Road Cleaning Service Bidding Participants

The Japan Fair Trade Commission issued cease and desist orders and surcharge payment orders to participants in biddings for road cleaning services ordered by Metropolitan Expressway Co., Ltd. The JFTC also requested that Metropolitan Expressway Co., Ltd take improvement measures after finding that the company leaked confidential information related to the biddings, undermining the integrity of the competitive bidding process.