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ARTICLE · 07 MARCH 2022

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Australia's Competition Watchdog Floats Sweeping Reform For Digital Markets

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
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The ACCC has formally opened consultations on whether Australia's competition and consumer law regime (including merger laws) needs digital platform-specific rules.

AustraliaAntitrust/Competition Law
Linda Evans
Linda Evans
Patrick Gay
Patrick Gay
Sarah Benbow
Sarah Benbow

ACCC consults on more robust approach to digital players as regulators square up to tech giants

The ACCC has formally opened consultations on whether Australia's competition and consumer law regime (including merger laws) needs digital platform-specific rules. The rules the ACCC is considering are significant and, if enacted, will impact a range of digital markets, including search, social media, ad tech and apps.

SUMMARY

  • The ACCC's approach to this issue is very mindful of the developments in other jurisdictions, particularly the European Union and the United Kingdom.
  • One aspect of the reform proposals involves considering regulating digital platforms by drawing upon economic regulatory concepts that feature in frameworks applying to more traditional infrastructure assets.

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