ACCC publishes digital platforms inquiry submissions

The ACCC has published 57 submissions from advertisers, digital platforms, media organisations and consumers as part of its inquiry into the impact of digital platforms on competition in the media and advertising services markets.

The submissions cover a range of issues, including the degree of market power held by digital platforms, the digital advertising supply chain, and the use of news content by platforms such as Google and Facebook.

In addition, the submissions detailed the impact of digital platform on the quality and choice of news in Australia.

Organisations responding to the inquiry included the ABC, AAP, the Australian Association of National Advertisers, Fairfax, Google, Foxtel, News Corp, Nine and Seven West Media.

“We appreciate the effort organisations and consumers have put into the many thoughtful and helpful submissions we received,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.

“This feedback from news organisations, digital platforms, academics, advertisers, news consumers and social media users will help inform the ACCC as we conduct our inquiry.”

The regulator now plans to hold three public forums as part of the inquiry, including forums for consumers and businesses in Melbourne late this month and a forum for journalists in August.

Feedback from the submissions and enquiry will be incorporated into a preliminary report outlining possible recommendations, which will be provided to the Treasurer in December.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Dušan Janković

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