The government Friday began discussing new legislation to bolster regulations on domestic and global information technology giants, and protect consumers' privacy amid concern that some companies are abusing their market share to secure growth.
"It is necessary to lead international debate on issues surrounding digital markets in cooperation with other countries," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at the first meeting on competition in digital markets that he chaired at the Prime Minister's Office.
The government is expected to make policy recommendations by the end of the year on formulating new legislation or guidelines. The bills will be presented during the ordinary Diet session to be convened in January.