On 4 December 2017, the Treasurer, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, directed the ACCC to conduct an inquiry into digital platforms. The inquiry will look 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. In particular, the inquiry will look at the impact of digital platforms on the supply of news and journalistic content and the implications of this for media content creators, advertisers and consumers.
An issues paper for the inquiry was released on 26 February 2018. Submissions were due on 3 April 2018. Public versions of the submissions received by the ACCC can be accessed via the 'Submissions May 2018' link below.
The preliminary report is to be submitted to the Treasurer by 3 December 2018, with a final report due by 3 June 2019.
Journalists forum
The ACCC is hosting a public forum for journalists in Sydney on Wednesday 15 August from 6–8 pm.
Former and working journalists, and academics working in this field, are invited to come and share their views on the impacts of digital platforms on journalism in Australia. Platforms include Facebook, Google, Apple and Twitter.
The forum will be chaired by ACCC Chair Rod Sims. Senior staff from the ACCC’s digital platforms inquiry will also be in attendance.
Further information is available at: Digital platforms inquiry forums.
Timeline
| Stages | Date |
|---|---|
| Terms of reference | 4 December 2017 |
| Issues paper | 26 February 2018 |
| Submissions May 2018 | 3 May 2018 |
| Forums | 15 August 2018 |