The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is responsible for enforcing competition and consumer protection laws in Australia. As of my last update in October 2023, there have been several important developments and changes in ACCC’s regulations, actions, and focus areas. Here’s a general overview of the latest changes:
Digital Markets and Online Platforms
- Digital Platforms Inquiry: The ACCC has been investigating the growing influence of digital platforms like Google, Facebook, and Amazon on Australian consumers and businesses. This includes concerns over data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and market power. In response, new recommendations have been made to improve competition in digital advertising and to address concerns related to consumer data and the impact of big tech on smaller businesses.
- Tech Regulation Proposals: The ACCC has advocated for stronger regulation around data collection, privacy protection, and market concentration in the tech sector. The Digital Platform Services Inquiry continues to examine how these platforms’ business models affect Australian markets.