Facebook and Google have reacted to the Australian Government’s response to the Digital Platforms Inquiry.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced the Coalition would adopt key recommendations made by the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) earlier this year. This includes establishing a code of conduct between media owners and the digital platforms, and looking into the supply of advertising and adtech services.
Facebook Australia managing director Will Easton says it welcomes reform, however didn’t comment specifically on the key policies announced.
“We share 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,” Easton says.
“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.”
Google says Australians come to Google for helpful products and services, whether it’s finding answers to questions, getting directions through maps, or businesses connecting with new audiences through advertising.
"We have engaged closely with the ACCC and the government throughout this comprehensive process and will continue to do so in 2020, including on focus areas such as privacy, ad tech and our work with publishers," says a Google spokesperson.
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