Tokyo [Japan], June 13 (ANI: The Government of Japan will investigate the activities of Apple and Google as US high-tech giants allege antitrust violations increase.

Nikkei Asia quoted government sources as reporting that a government panel will be formed this month to investigate the relationship between domestic smartphone makers and US companies.

The current share of the operating smartphone systems Apple iOS and Google Android accounts for about 90% of the Japanese market.

According to Japanese newspapers, Japan could tighten antitrust laws if the panel reveals suspicious activity.

The European Commission began an investigation last June to assess whether Apple, the US tech giant, has violated EU antitrust laws for app developers regarding the distribution of products through the App Store.

The study was launched in response to complaints from music streaming apps and ebook vendors about the impact of App Store-regulated streaming services on Apple’s own in-app shopping system.

According to a preliminary report by the EU Commission, Apple is hampering free competition in the EU market in the field of music apps. (ANI)