Overview

• Japan is preparing antitrust legislation that would force Apple and Google to allow app sideloading and alternative payment methods on their platforms.
• The legislation, similar to the European Union's Digital Markets Act, is expected to be sent to parliament in 2024.
• If approved, the Japan Fair Trade Commission would have the power to impose fines on companies that violate the new legislation.
• Apple has been under pressure from the European Union to allow app sideloading and has until March 2024 to comply.
• Apple has not yet commented on how it will implement these changes, but reports suggest it is working on enabling sideloading in regions where it is required to do so.