The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) has submitted comments to the Australian Department of the Treasury on its proposal for a new digital competition regime. The proposal aims to address perceived gaps in Australia’s competition law by introducing ex ante obligations for designated digital platforms, focusing on app marketplaces, ad tech, and social media services. SIIA supports efforts to promote competition but emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach that fosters innovation, protects the competitive process, and delivers consumer benefits without imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens.
In its submission, SIIA outlines key aspects of the Treasury’s proposed framework and compares it to similar initiatives in other jurisdictions. The letter highlights concerns about the broad scope of the regime, the designation process for digital platforms, and the potential for regulatory fragmentation. SIIA urges policymakers to ensure that new rules align with global standards, provide clear criteria for enforcement, and allow for flexibility to adapt to rapidly evolving digital markets.
