Japan to Investigate Google for Antimonopoly Breaches; 40% of APAC Shoppers use Social Media for Inspiration

In today’s ExchangeWire news digest: Japan will look into potential antimonopoly breaches by Google; naround 1 in 5 APAC consumers use social media for purchases; and Zhipu AI amasses ¥2.5bn (~£280.8m this year).

Google to be investigated in Japan

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) plans to investigate Google for possible antimonopoly violations. The watchdog has said it will look into potential breaches of Japan’s Antimonopoly Act by the tech giant, which include returning part of its revenues to Android manufacturers in exchange for them not installing rival search engines.

APAC above global average for social media shopping

Research from DHL E-Commerce has reported around 42% of shoppers in the Asia Pacific region always use social media for inspiration and to make direct purchases, well above the global average of 28%. Standout countries in the region are Thailand and China, where 58% and 52% of shoppers regularly turn to social commerce.

Zhipu AI backed by Alibaba, Tencent

Beijing’s Zhipu Huazhang Technology Co (Zhipu AI) has raised funds totalling ¥2.5bn (~£280.8m) this year. Alongside Baichuan, Zhipu is one of China’s leading start-ups for generative AI technology, and has gained the financial support of compatriot firms including Alibaba and Tencent Holdings.

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Fact of the Day

18% – the amount of European shoppers who use social media for purchases.

Source: Retail Asia