Australia’s Competition Chief Wants New Laws To Tackle Apple, Google

Tougher rules are needed to stop platforms like Google and Apple using their market power to push consumers into expensive payment options, according to competition regulator Rod Sims.

In a speech on Thursday, August 18, the chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will argue that legal battles against digital platforms are insufficient to curb their growing influence over app marketplaces, which may be pushing up prices for consumers.

“Enforcement actions and market studies are necessary to tackle the problems arising from dominant digital platforms, [but] they are not enough on their own,” Mr Sims will tell a global competition webinar, according to an advanced copy of his speech.

“This conclusion is of fundamental importance.” Mr Sims has led the ACCC into many legal battles against digital platforms in recent years, reported The New Daily.

The ACCC published a report into app marketplaces in April. It found the market is plagued with poor transparency, inadequate dispute resolution, and unfair and potentially anti-competitive behavior.

“We do not believe that Apple and Google are striking the right balance between providing streamlined, consistent processes for consumer complaints,” Mr Sims said.