NATION Australia shortens reins on big tech
GOOGLE and Facebook will face greater scrutiny of their use of Australians’ personal data amid reforms the Federal Government is considering to crack down on their unchecked power.
The competition watchdog has released a hefty report at the end of an 18-month inquiry into digital platforms, with 23 recommendations covering privacy, media regulation, competition and consumer protections.
The Government will consult with stakeholders over the next three months and act on the recommendations by the end of the year.
“Make no mistake, these companies are among the most powerful and valuable in the world,” Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said upon releasing the report yesterday. “They need to be held to account and their activities need to be more transparent.”
The ACCC found a very serious issue in the volume of personal data being collected without informed consent. It recommends setting up an enforceable privacy code specifically for digital platforms.
The watchdog also recommends a code of conduct to address commercial imbalances between the tech giants and media companies.
“Content generated by journalists and owned by media companies is being displayed on social media and search engines, often without a negotiated agreement covering how data and content is monetised and shared,” Mr Frydenberg said.
Any code of conduct would have to be approved by the regulator, which could impose its own rules if it isn’t satisfied.
Other recommendations include a $50 million annual grants program to support local journalism, support for philanthropic backing of journalism, and a mandatory takedown of copyright breaches.
THEY (TECH COMPANIES) NEED TO BE HELD TO ACCOUNT AND THEIR ACTIVITIES NEED TO BE MORE TRANSPARENT
JOSH FRYDENBERG
The ACCC has backed away from an earlier suggestion that a stand-alone regulator for digital platforms should be set up, instead now saying the quickest and best way of getting oversight is having a division within its ranks.
It envisages this would examine in part the algorithms used in online advertising to promote particular products over others.
An industry association representing the digital sector in Australia, including Google, Facebook and Twitter, has urged the Government to be cautious when looking at the recommendations and think about their broader impacts.