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 seeking submissions on matters relevant to the inquiry. Public versions of the submissions received by the ACCC are available at: Digital platforms inquiry submissions.
The ACCC hosted separate forums to hear from consumers and advertisers in May 2018 and for journalists and industry stakeholders in August 2018. Further information regarding the forums is available at: Digital platforms inquiry forums.
The preliminary report is to be submitted to the Treasurer by 3 December 2018, with a final report due by 3 June 2019.
Timeline
| Stages | Date |
|---|---|
| Terms of reference | 4 December 2017 |
| Issues paper | 26 February 2018 |
| Submissions | 3 May 2018 |
| Forums | 15 August 2018 |