This inquiry examined the nature and extent of international digital platforms operated by large overseas-based multinational technology companies—so called ‘Big Tech’— exerting power and influence over markets and public debate, to the detriment of Australian democracy and users.

Report structure:

The introductory chapter provides details on the referral and administration of the inquiry.

• Chapter 2 examines economic benefits from the rise of technology, respective market shares of Big Tech firms and the risks of concentrated market power of Big Tech.
• Chapter 3 details a range of competition concerns arising from the power of Big Tech and proposed solutions in relation to vertical integration, mergers and acquisitions, self-preferencing, tying and interoperability.
• Chapter 4 describes bargaining imbalances that arise between consumers and Big Tech companies. It considers issues relating to this imbalance including unfair contract terms, unfair trading practices and inadequate dispute resolution, and proposals to address these concerns.
• Chapter 5 explores privacy and competition concerns in relation to the data collection practices of Big Tech. It considers concerns with profiling, data brokers and cloud storage, and potential solutions to these concerns.
• Chapter 6 considers the risks of Big Tech algorithms and automated decision-making including filter bubbles, bias and discrimination, dis- and misinformation and lack of Australian content discoverability. It then considers the role of transparency in mitigating these harms.
• Chapter 7 looks at the consumer harms of scams, harmful apps and fake reviews, and possible mechanisms to address these concerns.
• Chapter 8 examines the risks arising from collection, collation and use of children’s online data. It discusses unethical and criminal behaviours, as well as potential solutions for protecting children online.
• Chapter 9 explains the potential risks and opportunities for reform of emerging technologies, with a focus on the metaverse and artificial intelligence.
• Chapter 10 provides the committee’s view and provides several recommendations to promote better consumer and competitive outcomes in digital platforms markets.