ODBC Symposium Report – Pathways to an Open and Free Mobile Market

The Open Digital Business Consortium (ODBC) held a symposium titled “Pathways to an Open and Free Mobile Market” to mark the release of its white paper of the same name. The event brought together regulators, industry representatives, and experts to discuss the implementation of Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), as well as interoperability, data portability, competition, consumer benefits, and future policy challenges in the mobile ecosystem.

The first session featured an overview of ODBC’s consumer survey findings and a presentation on recent developments following the enforcement of the MSCA. The second session featured a panel discussion under the theme “The Value and Future Outlook of an Open and Free Mobile Market,” where participants exchanged views on the value of interoperability and the direction of future implementation.

Event Overview

• Date and time: Friday, August 21, 2026, 15:00–18:00
• Venue: Kioi Conference, Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho
• Format: In-person event with online streaming
• Organizer: Open Digital Business Consortium (ODBC)
• Supported by: Mobile Content Forum (MCF)

Program

Opening Remarks and Introduction to the ODBC White Paper

ODBC presented the key messages of its white paper, “Pathways to an Open and Free Mobile Market.” The white paper highlights interoperability and data portability as essential foundations for expanding user choice, promoting fair competition, and enabling innovation.

Presentation: Implementation Status of the MSCA

Speaker: Kenta Suzuki, Counsellor for Digital Affairs, General Secretariat, Japan Fair Trade Commission

Mr. Suzuki discussed developments since the enforcement of the MSCA, including the entry of alternative app stores, expanded use of external payment options and steering mechanisms, partial reductions in app store commissions, and improvements in data portability.

He also noted an increase in requests from businesses concerning interoperability with operating system functions. At the same time, he emphasized that many issues remain and that continued information sharing and evidence gathering will be important to strengthen the effectiveness of implementation.

Panel Discussion

Theme: The Value and Future Outlook of an Open and Free Mobile Market

The panel discussion addressed the value of interoperability, the implementation of the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA), the balance between competition, security, and privacy, and the future direction of policy implementation.

Panelists shared the view that greater interoperability can improve the user experience by enabling smoother connections across devices and services, while also supporting the development of new products and services.

The discussion also covered developments in the EU under the DMA and initiatives aimed at ensuring interoperability. While progress has been observed in areas such as NFC and proximity connectivity, participants noted the need for further improvements in effective enforcement.

Participants also confirmed the importance of balancing competition with security and privacy protections. While competition should not be unnecessarily restricted on security grounds, appropriate measures are also needed to protect users. The discussion underscored the importance of transparent rules, objective criteria, and greater transparency regarding user information.

Speakers

Opening Remarks and Introduction to the ODBC White Paper

• Takeshi Kuroda, Representative Director, ODBC

Presentation

• Kenta Suzuki, Counsellor for Digital Affairs, General Secretariat, Japan Fair Trade Commission

Panel Discussion

Moderator

• Daisuke Korenaga, Professor, Graduate School of Law, Tohoku University

Panelists

• Kenta Suzuki, Counsellor for Digital Affairs, General Secretariat, Japan Fair Trade Commission
• Kelsey Chang, Principal Asia Legal Counsel, Garmin Corporation
• Ruxandra Popa, Executive Director, Coalition for Open Digital Ecosystems (CODE)
• Takamasa Kishihara, Senior Managing Director, Mobile Content Forum
• Serina Matsuda, Partner Attorney, Abe, Ikubo & Katayama

Closing Remarks

• Yasuo Shinozawa, Vice Representative Director, ODBC

Key Discussion Points and Future Challenges

Throughout the symposium, participants highlighted several priorities for future action.

• Further accumulation of use cases and evidence related to interoperability
• Encouraging businesses to submit requests under the new framework
• Raising consumer awareness
• Sustained dialogue between government and industry
• Evidence-based implementation and enforcement

The symposium reaffirmed that interoperability and data portability are critical foundations for enhancing consumer choice, promoting fair competition, and driving innovation.

ODBC will continue to facilitate collaboration among industry, academia, consumer groups, and government stakeholders to share market challenges and advance efforts toward a more open and competitive mobile ecosystem.

Please see the PDF below for more details about the white paper.
White Paper Overview (English)
White Paper (English)