ACMA joins newly formed Digital Platform Regulators Forum

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has been announced as one of the four government agencies that have formed a new body to promote greater cooperation and information-sharing in the regulation of digital platforms in Australia.

The Digital Platform Regulators Forum (DP-REG) consists of representatives from the ACMA, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Office of the eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

Each agency works across initiatives relating to digital platforms and faces common issues such as emerging online consumer harms and encouraging innovation while balancing protections.

ACMA chair Nerida O’Loughlin welcomed the formation of the group as another step in ensuring Australia is at the forefront in the regulation of the digital environment.

O’Loughlin said: "Digital platforms play an increasingly important role in the lives of Australians for information, entertainment and social contact with family and friends."

"This forum will assist regulators to work more closely together to ensure these platforms meet the standards expected of them by the Australian community," she added.

The DP-REG members will share information and resources, enhance regulatory capabilities across the group, and collaborate on projects of joint interest. This includes consideration of how competition, consumer protection, privacy, online safety and data issues intersect through the respective regulatory frameworks.

The forum will also meet regularly to share recent developments and discuss emerging issues and DP-REG member activities.

In a joint statement, the DP-REG said that the Australian Government is undertaking a wide range of regulatory interventions to help protect Australians online.

"To support a streamlined and cohesive approach to the regulation of digital platforms, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), and the Office of the eSafety Commissioner together formed the Digital Platform Regulators Forum (DP-REG).

"DP-REG is an initiative of Australian independent regulators to share information about, and collaborate on, cross-cutting issues and activities on the regulation of digital platforms. This includes consideration of how competition, consumer protection, privacy, online safety and data issues intersect."