Google’s Grip on Search Spurs Calls for Greater Internet Choice in Australia

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Australia’s competition regulator, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), has called for renewed efforts to provide internet users with greater choice, citing Google's overwhelming dominance in the search engine market and the inability of its competitors to leverage opportunities in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector effectively.

In a recent report, the ACCC highlighted concerns over the growing integration of generative AI into search engines. It noted that while this technology is still emerging, the financial resources and strong market presence of major players like Google and Microsoft give them a significant competitive edge. The report also raised questions about the reliability and accuracy of AI-generated responses to search queries, suggesting these issues could affect consumer trust.

Peter Crone, an ACCC Commissioner, acknowledged that while some users may benefit from the efficiency of AI-enhanced search tools, others may remain skeptical about the dependability of AI-generated information.

Australia has been increasing regulatory scrutiny on tech giants, particularly those based in the U.S. The country has led initiatives like requiring social media platforms to pay royalties to media outlets for shared content and implementing a law banning social media for children under 16. Recently, it proposed penalties of up to A$50 million for companies found suppressing competition or restricting consumer choice.

To address these concerns, the watchdog recommended introducing service-specific codes to prevent anti-competitive practices, mitigate data-related advantages, and ensure seamless consumer switching between services. The Australian government has endorsed these measures in principle, with the ACCC planning to conclude its inquiry by March next year.

Paraphrasing text from "Reuters" all rights reserved by the original author.