Google hits back at ACCC over algorithm regulator plans

Google has hit back at ACCC plans for an algorithm regulator, declaring it could lead to manipulation and more fake news.

Google’s boss for Australia and New Zealand says a so-called algorithm regulator is unnecessary. Picture: AFP

Google Australia has hit back at the ACCC’s plans to introduce an algorithm regulator, declaring such a move could lead to manipulation and more fake news.

In a preliminary report probing the tech giants’ impact on news and society, ­released in December, the ACCC proposed a world-first regulator that would force the tech giants to lift the lid on their mysterious algorithms and provide transparency around how news stories are ranked and served to users.

Google’s boss for Australia and New Zealand said today however that a so-called algorithm regulator was unnecessary.

“While Google supports news and journalism, some of the preliminary report’s recommendations — such as an algorithm regulator — risk poor outcomes,” Google managing director Mel Silva said.

“We already provide extensive guidance on search ranking, including our 164-page Search quality rater guidelines, and the How Search Works guide. And of course, Google Search results are open for all to see.

“We believe this approach balances the need for transparency against the risk of manipulation by bad actors and do not believe that an algorithm regulator would lead to higher quality search results or promote journalism.”

ACCC boss Rod Sims told The Australian in an interview this month he will ask Facebook and Google to conduct experiments with their news algorithms to “see what goes in and then what comes out”.

Ms Silva, who was appointed to the top job last October, said Google needed to be treated differently to the likes of Facebook given it links users to external websites, rather than trying to keep them on the Google platform for as long as possible.

“Google News has no ads, nor does the news results tab on the search page,” Ms Silva said. “Unlike social media sites, which operate in largely closed environments and benefit from users spending more time on the site, the success of Google Search relies on linking users with relevant results.

“This is an important distinction, highlighting the need to differentiate between digital platforms.”

She added that Google’s overarching belief is that as technology evolves, legal frameworks must also evolve with clear, evidence-based solutions to address specific problems.

“It’s sometimes claimed that the internet is unregulated but that’s simply not the case,” she said. “Considered, carefully calibrated regulation has contributed to the web’s success as a platform for expression and access to information.”

The ACCC will provide a final report to the government by June 3, 2019.