Australia's competition watchdog said there was a need to revisit efforts to ensure greater choice for internet users, citing Google's dominant search engine market share and its competitors' failure to capitalise on the artificial intelligence boom.
Australia's competition watchdog said there was a need to revisit efforts to ensure greater choice for internet users, citing Google's dominant search engine market share and its competitors' failure to capitalise on the artificial intelligence boom.
A report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said that while the integration of generative AI tools into search engines is still nascent, Big Tech's deep pockets and dominant presence give it an upper hand.
The commission said it was concerned Google and Microsoft could integrate generative AI into their search offerings, including through commercial deals, which raises concerns about the accuracy and reliability of search queries.
"While some consumers may find the generative AI search experience more useful and efficient, others may be concerned about the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated responses to search queries," Commissioner Peter Crone said.
Google and Microsoft did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.
Australia has intensified the spotlight on the tech giants, which are mostly domiciled in the U.S. It was the first country to make social media platforms pay media outlets royalties for sharing their content.
Last month, it passed a law that banned social media for children aged under 16, and proposed a law earlier this week that could impose fines of up to A$50 million ($32.28 million) on tech giants if they suppress competition and prevent consumers from switching between services.
The Australian watchdog on Wednesday urged the use of service-specific codes that help prevent anti-competitive behaviour, address data advantages and allow consumers to switch between services freely.
These proposed measures have been agreed to in principle by the government, ACCC said, and it will close its enquiry by next March.
Australia is facing the continued emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants more than five years after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday he expects to have a one-on-one discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding tariffs, as Washington prepares to announce new trade measures on April 2.
A pilot was seriously injured on Friday after his aircraft crashed while performing aerobatic maneuvers during an airshow in southeastern Australia.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called a national election for May 3, kicking off a tight five-week campaign dominated by cost-of-living concerns. With polls neck-and-neck, both leaders are focusing on tax cuts, energy costs, and healthcare in their bid to win over voters.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
Eight OPEC+ countries meeting on Thursday will focus debates on how to convince Kazakhstan to stop exceeding its output quota and its plans to compensate for overproduction as the group steps up gradual production hikes.
During a high-level meeting, officials from Kyrgyzstan and Russia emphasized the growing economic partnership between the two nations, highlighting a 14.5% increase in mutual trade and reaffirming their commitment to further expansion.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
Seven migrants, including a child, died when their boat sank off Lesbos. 23 survivors were rescued, but the search continues. Greece remains a crucial entry point for migrants, underscoring the perilous sea journey many undertake in search of safety and a new life.
The Hungarian government has decided to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), marking a significant shift in the country's international stance.
Belgium has warned that newly announced U.S. import tariffs could weaken its economic growth, even as Washington presses allies to ramp up defence spending.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
Eight OPEC+ countries meeting on Thursday will focus debates on how to convince Kazakhstan to stop exceeding its output quota and its plans to compensate for overproduction as the group steps up gradual production hikes.
During a high-level meeting, officials from Kyrgyzstan and Russia emphasized the growing economic partnership between the two nations, highlighting a 14.5% increase in mutual trade and reaffirming their commitment to further expansion.
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