Australia proposed a law on Monday that could impose fines of up to A$50 million ($33 million) on global technology companies if they suppress competition and prevent consumers from switching between services.
The centre-left Labor government has targeted Big Tech's influence, and parliament passed a law last week that banned social media for children aged under 16.
The proposed law would empower Australia's competition regulator to oversee compliance, investigate anti-competitive practices online and fine companies, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones said in excerpts of a speech due later on Monday.
"The digital economy challenges our current legal framework," Jones will in the speech viewed by Reuters at the public policy research McKell Institute in Sydney.
"The dominant platforms can charge higher costs, reduce choice, and use sneaky tactics to lock consumers into using certain products. Innovation outside of the established players becomes almost impossible."
Apple, Google and Meta, which dominate app downloads and ad revenues, did not immediately respond when approached for comment on the proposed law.
The consultation process is scheduled to end on Feb. 14 and more discussions will be done to prepare the draft legislation.
The planned law, similar to the European Union's Digital Markets Act legislation, could make it easier for people to move among competing services, such as social media platforms, internet browsers and app stores.
Based on advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the government can pick platforms that pose the greatest risk of hurting competition.
"Initially, we will look to prioritise app marketplaces and ad tech services for service-specific obligations," Jones will say.
These specific obligations would restrict companies from pushing their apps with low user ratings to the top of their search list and prevent providing favourable treatment to their own services, compared with third parties.
A competition commission report on digital platform services in 2022 showed Google controlled 93% to 95% of online search services in Australia, while Apple's App Store accounted for about 60% of app downloads and Google Play Store 40%.
Meta Platforms' Facebook and Instagram together supplied 79% of social media services in the country.
Indonesian police have arrested three Australian men in connection with a deadly shooting at a villa in Bali, which claimed the life of a fourth Australian and left another seriously injured, according to Bali police chief Daniel Adityajaya on Wednesday.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to counter the "damaging" notion that democratic systems are failing, especially during a time of widespread global instability.
China's Foreign Ministry is pushing for a "more mature, stable and fruitful" partnership with Australia. While seeking stronger ties, Beijing offered no details on reports of PM Anthony Albanese visiting this summer.
China has rejected accusations made by the defense chiefs of the US, Japan, Australia and the Philippines, who last week raised concerns over Beijing’s actions in the East and South China Seas.
A woman on trial for allegedly poisoning her in-laws with deadly mushrooms has denied any intent to harm, calling the incident a tragic accident.
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House in a historic meeting, claiming credit for stopping the recent India-Pakistan conflict, though India denied any U.S. mediation.
President Donald Trump is facing pushback from within his own "America First" coalition over the prospect of U.S. military involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he supports China’s position that its ongoing tariff dispute with the United States should be resolved through dialogue.
Japanese stocks saw the largest foreign inflow in four weeks during the week ending June 14, driven by optimism over U.S.-China trade talks and a weaker yen supporting exporters’ earnings.
South Korea’s nominee for spy agency chief has stated his belief that the United States would respond with nuclear strikes if North Korea launched a nuclear attack against South Korea.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House in a historic meeting, claiming credit for stopping the recent India-Pakistan conflict, though India denied any U.S. mediation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he supports China’s position that its ongoing tariff dispute with the United States should be resolved through dialogue.
South Korea’s nominee for spy agency chief has stated his belief that the United States would respond with nuclear strikes if North Korea launched a nuclear attack against South Korea.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the escalating Middle East tensions and stressed the need for urgent de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have initialed a draft peace agreement, marking a significant step toward ending years of conflict in eastern Congo.
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House in a historic meeting, claiming credit for stopping the recent India-Pakistan conflict, though India denied any U.S. mediation.
President Donald Trump is facing pushback from within his own "America First" coalition over the prospect of U.S. military involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he supports China’s position that its ongoing tariff dispute with the United States should be resolved through dialogue.
Japanese stocks saw the largest foreign inflow in four weeks during the week ending June 14, driven by optimism over U.S.-China trade talks and a weaker yen supporting exporters’ earnings.
South Korea’s nominee for spy agency chief has stated his belief that the United States would respond with nuclear strikes if North Korea launched a nuclear attack against South Korea.
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