The Coalition Government has today released the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) preliminary Digital Platforms Inquiry report.
The Government commissioned the inquiry in 2017 as part of a package of reforms to modernise and update the regulation of Australia’s media, a measure agreed with the then Nick Xenophon Team examined the impact of digital platforms on competition in the media and advertising market.
Digital platforms have changed the way media content is produced, distributed and consumed. They have broadened the range of services available to Australians, enhanced our capacity to engage in social and economic life, and delivered significant efficiencies in our advertising and media markets.
To make the most of opportunities that digital platforms bring, and to provide the right safeguards for the community, it is important that the regulatory environment remains fit-for-purpose.
The preliminary report highlights a number of important issues related to news media and advertisers including market power and potential regulatory adjustments.
The ACCC will now undertake public consultation on the preliminary report, before providing a final report to Government in June 2019.
All interested stakeholders are encouraged to engage closely with the ACCC to ensure the report is informed by all perspectives.
A copy of the preliminary report is available on the ACCC’s website.