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A new forum will bring together the agencies involved in digital platform regulation to look at the standards and approaches used in policing competition, consumer protection, privacy and safety online.
A collaboration between the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Australian Communications and Media Authority, Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, and Office of the eSafety Commissioner, the forum seeks to increase co-operation and information sharing between the entities.
ACCC chair Rod Sims said the hope was to streamline the agencies’ approach to the regulation of digital platforms in Australia.
“Digital platforms have become an essential part of Australian life; and while they offer many benefits to consumers, they also present a range of challenges in terms of competition and consumer protection,” Mr Sims said.
“Since the ACCC began examining digital platform services in 2017, we have observed harms to competition, consumers, and business users in a range of areas dominated by large digital platforms.
“Collaboration with other agencies who also have a role in regulating digital platforms is vital as we consider whether further regulatory reforms are needed to support competition and protect Australian consumers online,” Mr Sims commented.
He noted that the ACCC’s role in regulating digital platforms varies from the position the forum’s co-sponsors occupy, as ACCC is involved in the sector in relation to competition and consumer impacts, while the other regulators focus on safeguarding communication and media services, protecting privacy, and promoting online safety.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juliet Helmke
Based in Sydney, Juliet Helmke has a broad range of reporting and editorial experience across the areas of business, technology, entertainment and the arts. She was formerly Senior Editor at The New York Observer.
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