Data brokers are a key part of the data supply chain that fuels a range of online and offline products and services. The direction for the inquiry defines a data broker as a supplier who collects personal or other information on persons, and sells this information to, or shares this information with, others.

The eighth interim report of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) 5-year inquiry into digital platform services (the Inquiry) will consider competition and consumer issues in relation to data collection, storage, supply, processing and analysis services supplied by data brokers in Australia. The ACCC is required to submit its report to the Treasurer by 31 March 2024. The purpose of this issues paper is to invite written submissions from interested parties to assist the ACCC in understanding the nature of the data broker industry in Australia and any related competition and consumer issues that may arise.