A government panel interviewed representatives from internet platform giants Google and Apple on their business practices, how they handle users’ information, and other issues at a hearing on November 28.
The company representatives explained to the committee that they had systems in place to guarantee transparent and fair personal information use, and that any new rules introduced by the government should be “smart and efficient.” They also called on the administration to avoid stifling technological innovation through overregulation and be mindful of the different features of individual internet businesses.
The hearing was the first in Japan for companies in what is often referred to here as the GAFA group of IT platform giants: Google, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon.com. The panel, composed of experts as well as representatives from the Japan Fair Trade Commission and the trade and communications ministries, held the hearing behind closed doors at Apple’s and Google’s request.
