Japan investigates Google over suspected antitrust violations

Japan's antitrust watchdog has begun an investigation into whether Alphabet Inc.'s Google abuses its market position to block rival services, compounding scrutiny of the internet leader's business practices across the globe.

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The country's Fair Trade Commission has begun a probe centered on allegations of potential antitrust violations, an official with the agency said, confirming a Nikkei report. It plans to solicit information and views on the matter from the public, the official added. The agency plans to examine whether Google inappropriately asked smartphone makers to prioritize its search services on their devices.