Australian regulators are proposing the strictest set of rules levelled at the technology sector in recent history.
Apple, Facebook, Google and Amazon, among many other behemoths, will be targeted by the proposed new regulations in an attempt to control anti-competition practices.
The reforms could stop the tech giants from bundling apps with their operating systems and may see app stores regulated in a manner similar to the telcos.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will make a series of formal recommendations to the federal government next year.
These regulations will see Australia keeping in lockstep with the likes of Europe, whose Digital Markets Act targets various forms of data collection, the restriction of developers by tech companies from using their own payment systems, and other antitrust issues.
“Digital platforms are now getting involved in financial services, too,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims explained to AFR, “and you’ve got Apple not letting anyone else use their near-field communication chip for contactless payments.
“There is a whole range of issues which I think it’s generally accepted now need to be dealt with.”
