CRA welcomes ACCC’s calls for greater regulatory oversight of Facebook and Google

Former Assistant Editor

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission today released a preliminary report on its Digital Platforms Inquiry, which included recommendations for greater regulatory oversight of Facebook and Google.

The report saw 11 recommendations, outlining nine areas for further analysis.

“We’re pleased that the ACCC’s preliminary report has found that action is needed to address the gaping inequalities that exist between regulations applying to radio broadcasters and digital platforms,” said CRA chief executive offer Joan Warner.

Warner also said that CRA supported a preliminary recommendation for a separate, independent review of regulation, focusing on creating an overarching platform-neutral regulatory regime.

“Commercial radio is subject to numerous regulations including, but not limited to, local content, Australian music quotas and advertising restrictions, while online platforms have few or no restrictions.

“For instance, broadcasters will be subject to an election advertising blackout ahead of next year’s federal election, which will result in ad dollars being diverted to digital platforms.

“We are pleased the ACCC has acknowledged there is inconsistency and that action needs to be taken to provide a fairer regulatory framework.”

Other recommendations suggested that a take-down standard could be implemented to ensure digital platforms remove copyright infringing material in a timely manner.

“Unlike radio, there is no independent third-party methodology for measuring digital impressions, which can lead to misleading claims regarding the advertising reach of digital platforms,” Warner said.

“We would like to see a robust and transparent audience measurement system for digital platforms, so that advertisers and consumers are not misled.”

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