Japan will require major technology firms to submit reports on business practices every year as part of tighter rules to improve their operational transparency and protect retailers, a government panel said Tuesday.

The obligation will be included in a bill to prevent tech giants such as Amazon.com Inc. and Rakuten Inc. from taking advantage of their dominant market positions against smaller online retailers that depend on their platforms.

The bill is intended to protect not only such small companies but also consumers. Google, for example, will be required to explain to users its policy on determining the order of search results. Rules will also be set up regarding collection of personal data.