Australia probes impact of Facebook and Google on media

Australia’s competition watchdog has begun an investigation into the market power of Facebook, Google and other digital platforms to determine if they are harming the media and advertising industries. The probe follows an order by the government of a formal inquiry into the internet giants’ impact on the industry, as part of a shake-up of media laws in September. It comes amid international calls for tighter regulation of technology companies, whose power and political influence was highlighted in the 2016 US presidential election.  “The ACCC goes into this inquiry with an open mind and will study how digital platforms such as Facebook and Google operate to fully understand their influence in Australia,” said Rod Sims, chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. "We will examine whether platforms are exercising market power in commercial dealings to the detriment of consumers, media content creators and advertisers.”