Government response to Digital Platforms Inquiry

The Australian Government has released its much anticipated response to the ACCC’s Digital Platforms Inquiry.

The response includes investing $26.9 million (over four years) in a new special Digital Platforms unit within the ACCC and tasking them with - among other things - undertaking inquiries as directed by the Treasurer, starting with the supply of online advertising and ad-tech services.

The ACCC will also commence consultation on proposed amendments to s 50(3) (mergers) in 2020, ‘noting that courts may already consider these matters in merger cases and that the proposed changes would affect businesses across the Australian economy and not just digital platforms’.

There is no immediate directive to Google to enable Android users to choose default browser and search engine, but the ACCC is directed to monitor the impact of the changes in Europe and further advise government.

More detail in the report - including various new inquiries:

• See: Government Response and Implementation Roadmap for the Digital Platforms Inquiry (Australian Government, 12 December 2019)

• See also media release: Response to Digital Platforms Inquiry (12 December 2019)

For media an commentary see:

• ACCC, ‘ACCC welcomes comprehensive response to Digital Platforms Inquiry’ (12 December 2019)

• OAIC, ‘OAIC welcomes action on privacy reform’ (12 December 2019)

• Tess Bennett, 'Government Responds To Digital Platform Report With More Inquiries, Voluntary Codes And Extra Duties For The ACCC’ (Which-50, 12 December 2019)

• Gladwin Legal, ‘The Federal Government’s Response to teh ACCC Digital Platform Inquiry - What Changes Can We Expect?‘ (12 December 2019)