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.
Mark Carney and Claudia Sheinbaum discussed trade and investment ties on Tuesday, emphasizing the need to strengthen North American competitiveness while respecting national sovereignty.
Preparations for the second meeting in Istanbul on the normalisation of bilateral ties between Russia and the United States are underway, said Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The 19th MedExpo Kyrgyzstan 2025 has opened in Bishkek, featuring over 50 companies from 11 countries. The event serves as a key platform for medical advancements, presenting cutting-edge solutions in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology. The exhibition runs until April 3.
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to unveil a sweeping new round of tariffs on what he calls “Liberation Day,” a move that could shake up U.S. trade policy and heighten tensions with global partners. With few details known, markets are already bracing for impact.
On April 2, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender, visited the Alley of Martyrs in Baku to honor the Azerbaijani heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and territorial integrity.
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.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
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.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to appear in court on Wednesday over allegations of failing to pay €1 million in taxes on image rights earnings during his first tenure at the club. Prosecutors seek a prison sentence of nearly five years and a €3.2 million fine.
Preparations for the second meeting in Istanbul on the normalisation of bilateral ties between Russia and the United States are underway, said Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to unveil a sweeping new round of tariffs on what he calls “Liberation Day,” a move that could shake up U.S. trade policy and heighten tensions with global partners. With few details known, markets are already bracing for impact.
China is prepared to collaborate with Russia to advance multi-polarization and promote greater democracy in international relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated after discussions with Russian officials in Moscow.
The US Attorney-General has directed prosecutors to pursue the death penalty for the 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealth Group CEO. In official statement, Mangione’s lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo labeled the Attorney General’s move as “barbaric.”
Mark Carney and Claudia Sheinbaum discussed trade and investment ties on Tuesday, emphasizing the need to strengthen North American competitiveness while respecting national sovereignty.
Preparations for the second meeting in Istanbul on the normalisation of bilateral ties between Russia and the United States are underway, said Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The 19th MedExpo Kyrgyzstan 2025 has opened in Bishkek, featuring over 50 companies from 11 countries. The event serves as a key platform for medical advancements, presenting cutting-edge solutions in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology. The exhibition runs until April 3.
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to unveil a sweeping new round of tariffs on what he calls “Liberation Day,” a move that could shake up U.S. trade policy and heighten tensions with global partners. With few details known, markets are already bracing for impact.
On April 2, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender, visited the Alley of Martyrs in Baku to honor the Azerbaijani heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and territorial integrity.
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