In response to Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google-parent Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) have announced significant changes.

Japan's MSCA Opens App Store Competition

The MSCA, which took effect on Thursday, introduces new options that allow developers to distribute apps through alternative app stores and handle payments for digital goods and services outside Apple's in-app purchase system.

These changes, while providing new opportunities for developers, also pose potential risks such as malware, fraud, and privacy and security threats. Apple has collaborated with Japanese regulators to introduce measures to safeguard users, particularly younger ones.

Developers will be ...