On 4 December 2017, the Treasurer, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, directed the ACCC to conduct an inquiry into digital platforms. The inquiry is looking 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 is looking 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.
On 10 December 2018, the ACCC released its preliminary report for the inquiry.
A final report is due by 30 June 2019.
Timeline
| Stages | Date |
|---|---|
| Terms of reference | 4 December 2017 |
| Issues paper | 26 February 2018 |
| Submissions | 3 May 2018 |
| Forums & key meetings | 15 August 2018 |
| Preliminary report | 10 December 2018 |
| ACCC commissioned research | 10 December 2018 |
| Preliminary report submissions | 4 March 2019 |