What the ACCC does

  • We developed a mandatory code of conduct to address power imbalances between Australian news media businesses and Google and Facebook.

  • We are conducting an inquiry into markets for digital platform services.

  • In 2021 we completed an inquiry into markets for digital advertising services.

What the ACCC can't do

  • We don’t resolve individual complaints against online platforms or services.

  • We don’t approve the conduct or advertising of online businesses.

ACCC inquiries into digital platforms and services

Current inquiries

Finalised inquiries

On 10 February 2020 the Australian Government directed the ACCC to conduct an inquiry into markets for the supply of digital advertising technology services and digital advertising agency services.
The inquiry looked at the effect that digital search engines, social media platforms and other digital content aggregation platforms have on competition in media and advertising services markets.

Digital platform initiatives

The News Media Bargaining Code is a mandatory code of conduct governing commercial relationships between Australian news businesses and ‘designated’ digital platforms who benefit from a significant bargaining power imbalance.

Rules and advice for business and consumers

It’s against the law for a business to create fake or misleading reviews or to arrange for others to do so. There are certain signs that can indicate a review is fake.
Australian Consumer Law applies to social media advertising in the same way as other types of advertising. Businesses must not make false or misleading claims when promoting themselves.
Standard rights and responsibilities still apply, but there are things consumers and businesses need to know when buying and selling online.

ACCC action in digital platforms and services

The Federal Court has dismissed the ACCC’s case, finding that Google LLC (Google) did not mislead Australian consumers when it published an on-screen notification to Australian users, and changed its privacy policy to expand the scope of its use and collection of personal data.
See media releases on digital platforms and services

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