FTC to investigate competitive video streaming services

The Fair Trade Commission is going to conduct a probe into the competitive environment of online video streaming services.

In Japan, the market share of a number of streaming service distributors is increasing. The FTC will examine whether there are any conflicts with the Antimonopoly Law due to concerns over unfair practices, such as the exclusion of competitors by IT giants.

It has been pointed out that there may be a few streaming service operators engaging in questionable practices that give them an advantage compared to terrestrial and other types of TVs that require a license.

A case in which a smartphone operating system provider shows its own programs in a preferential manner on smart televisions will also be examined.

The FTC plans to investigate the practice of imposing burdens on consumers by changing the terms and conditions of service in an effort to charge high fees.

The FTC will take necessary actions based on the results, as well as identify potentially problematic practices under the law.