Media chiefs welcome ACCC tech reforms
News Corp Australia executive chairman Michael Miller is among media company leaders who are “encouraged’’ by the ACCC response.
News Corp Australia has backed most of the federal government's reforms to better police technology heavyweights, including Google and Facebook, but is unhappy with its recommendation that voluntary codes be introduced.
Executive chairman Michael Miller said the media company is "encouraged" that the Morrison government is taking action "on a number of fronts to deal with the power imbalances the digital platforms hold over media businesses".
“Most of these initial steps are aligned with where the world is heading but more reforms are needed to protect consumers and ensure a vibrant and viable media industry," he said.
Mr Miller said the group is pleased the government is setting up new unit within the competition regulator to oversee digital platforms, and an inquiry into the "murky waters of ad tech", describing them as " important and necessary."
"However, the government's approach of a voluntary code of conduct to oversee commercial arrangements as a first step appears out-of-kilter with leaders of other jurisdictions who have advocated firmer action," he said.
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Seven West Media chief executive James Warburton also welcomed the government's response, particularly "out of date Australian content requirements that are currently holding back Australian media businesses." However, it is unhappy that there won't be action on copyright.
“We are disappointed that the government is not pursuing a mandatory take down scheme for copyright infringing material as recommended by the ACCC. But it is pleasing that the government has committed to reviewing copyright enforcement mechanisms during 2020.”
Nine Entertainment CEO Hugh Marks described the government's statement as "bold".
"It provides a clear timeline and platform for our industry to be able to engage with the social media platforms on a basis we ultimately believe will be a win win not only for our industry and the people that work in it, but the social platforms as well," he said.
The response from the tech industry was more tepid.
Facebook’s local director of policy Mia Garlick said the US group shares the government’s view that "now is an opportune time for democratic countries like Australia to work with industry on new regulation for the internet that protects the choice and opportunities for millions of Australians that use our services."
"We support a sustainable news ecosystem which is why we work with publishers to help them reach new audiences and invest significantly in tools to provide transparency over the content people and publishers see on our services.
"Our primary focus remains on achieving economy-wide privacy protection, data portability and a user focused digital news distribution code, while preserving the many benefits that technology delivers in this country," Ms Garlick said.
Sunita Bose, managing director of tech industry group DIGI, said it will examine the government's response "closely", and will continue to contribute to talk with the government and regulatory bodies.
"We’ll be studying the proposals in detail to ensure that the consumer protections are fit for a digital era, and that there are no unintended consequences for Australia’s digital future, economic growth and global competitiveness," Ms Bose said.
Still, DIGI welcomed the review of the Privacy Act.
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