Following its recent detailed examination of the
functioning of Australia's digital economy, the Australian
Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released its Digital
Platforms Inquiry (DPI) Final Report.
The ACCC's recommendations are wide ranging, and
include a series of proposals relating to data privacy which, if
implemented, would have broad impacts across the entire economy and
significant implications for global businesses that deal with
Australian consumers.
We also see the potential for some unintended adverse outcomes
for consumers.
The case for reform
The primary focus of the DPI was digital platforms and the
media. Digital platforms typically operate under a distinct
business model providing services to consumers for zero monetary
cost in exchange for their attention and use of their data. The
platforms then 'monetise' that data by selling targeted
advertising, from which they earn the majority of their
revenue.
