The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is set to release a report on global developments and emerging competition and consumer issues online. 

The ACCC’s final report from its Digital Platform Services Inquiry will provide an update on recent advancements and international trends, highlighting key areas for future monitoring as digital markets evolve.

The ACCC published an issues paper summarising these areas and inviting stakeholder input. 

“The report will be a chance to take a global view and see what challenges and opportunities exist worldwide,” said ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb.

“The ACCC’s work on digital platforms over the past five years has already led to changes in our economy and to benefits for consumers. 

“But Australia can learn and benefit from developments elsewhere.” 

Cass-Gottlieb has encouraged consumers, business owners, and others to share their views to help shape the final report. Consumers, businesses and interested parties are encouraged to make submissions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 23 August 2024.

The paper highlights legislative advancements in the EU, Germany, India, South Korea, Japan, and the UK. 

While new, these laws align with Australia's efforts to balance competition and consumer protection. The final report will include detailed insights from these jurisdictions.

Updates on earlier observations from the Digital Platform Services Inquiry will also be provided, specifically from the September 2020 report on Online Private Messaging and the March 2021 report on App Marketplaces. 

The ACCC will consider changes in service offerings due to technological advancements, shifts in key suppliers, and evolving consumer trust and service quality perceptions. 

The report may also address ongoing legal actions, such as Epic Games’ lawsuits against Apple and Google in Australia.

New areas of focus include online gaming, valued at $4.21 billion in 2024, with stats showing 91 per cent of Australian households owning a video game device or console. 

The ACCC is considering potential concerns related to distribution models, subscription practices, and potentially deceptive design elements.

The ACCC will also investigate competition issues related to generative AI, particularly the high barriers to market entry and the potential for large digital platforms to consolidate power through integrating Large Language Models (LLMs). 

The ACCC’s ninth interim report, which focuses competition on general search services and trends in search quality, is due to the Treasurer by 30 September 2024.

Other reports have examined: online private messaging services, market dynamics and consumer choice screens in search services and web browsers, app marketplaces, online retail marketplaces, regulatory reform, social media services and expanding ecosystems.