Federal regulators seek to increase transparency of tech platforms’ activities
The heads of the four members of the Digital Platform Regulators Forum have agreed on a collective set of priorities for 2022/23, which include a focus on the impact of algorithms, seeking to increase the transparency of digital platforms’ activities and how they are protecting users from potential harm, and increased collaboration and capacity building between the four members.
Members of the forum that were present were The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), eSafety Commissioner (eSafety), and Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
The forum draws on issues surrounding digital transparency, which it considers to be essential for the protection of Australians.
It particularly focuses on improving transparency of what digital platforms are doing to protect Australians from potential harm, including how consumer data is being handled, and the impact of their activities to address misinformation.
These transparency issues are esepcially concerning to the forum, given the power and information asymmetries between digital platforms and users.
ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb, said: “The ACCC considers that the work of the Digital Platform Regulators Forum is key for our own work on digital platforms, particularly as we are currently reviewing whether there is a need for competition and consumer reform as part of our ongoing digital platforms inquiry.”
Together with measures already in place, the forum aims to further address these transparency and accountability issues through the examination of existing terms and conditions, analysis of public reports, and potential additional regulatory or enforcement action undertaken by forum members where appropriate.
In addition, the forum will examine the development and use of algorithms that will form a key part of the forum’s work. The forum will look at the impact of algorithms on Australians in a range of areas, including algorithmic recommendations and profiling, moderation algorithms, promotion of disinformation, harmful content, and product ranking and displays on digital platforms such as online marketplaces.
The forum will conduct additional research, engage with industry, meet with expert stakeholders, and conduct workshops throughout 2022/23.
All members of the forum said they will continue to strengthen their existing relationships by growing collaboration, sharing information, and coordinating on matters relating to digital platform regulation.
The forum’s collaboration in 2022/23 intends to include joint engagement with stakeholders, submissions, and advice to Government, and training and other capability-building programs.
All members are committed to working together to promote proportionate, cohesive, well-designed, and efficiently implemented digital platform regulation.
Last week’s meeting follows the release of the forum’s Terms of Reference in March 2022 and continued work between the forum members over the last year.
The forum also discussed work already undertaken on the development of codes of practice for digital platforms, shared data holdings, and opportunities for improved information sharing potential future engagement with international counterparts.
ACMA chair Nerida O’Loughlin, said: “We look forward to working with our fellow regulators so that digital platforms’ response to public concerns around significant issues like disinformation is more transparent and effective.”
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant added: “This important forum allows us to focus the combined domain expertise of all four regulators on issues that cut across our respective mandates. I’m looking forward to continuing our work together to improve the experience of all Australians online, ensuring we remain at the vanguard of fair, balanced, and innovative end-to-end digital regulation. With increased interdependence on technology and online services, Australians deserve no less.”
Australian information commissioner and privacy commissioner, Angelene Falk, noted: “Personal information is central to data-driven businesses, and its protection is critical to prevent online harms. We will continue to work closely with other regulators through the forum to advance online privacy protections for Australians, protect individuals from harm in the online environment, and ensure the best outcomes are achieved in the public interest.”
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topics
ACCC
ACMA
Angelene Falk
Digital Platform Regulators Forum
digital transparency
eSaftey Commisioner
Gina Cass-Gottlieb
Julie Inman-Grant
Media Authority
Nerida O'Loughlin
OAIC
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
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