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Competition Commission sets sights on digital and social media platforms

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Competition Commission sets sights on digital and social media platforms

Head of our Competition Law practice, recently joined Gugulethu Mfuphi on KAYA FM to discuss the Competition Commission's focus on digital and social media platforms and their impact on quality news media.

25 Mar 2024 10:10 Minutes Radio interview
Competition Commission sets sights on digital and social media platforms

Competition Commission sets sights on digital and social media platforms

Podcast

Competition Commission sets sights on digital and social media platforms

Podcast

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Chris highlighted that the Commission is investigating whether these digital platforms, increasingly acting as gatekeepers for news media distribution, might lead to market distortion by reducing news publishers' access to consumers of news and advertising revenue. The inquiry aims to assess how the position of these platforms could affect the dynamism and vibrancy of the news media sector, particularly for smaller media businesses or those owned by historically disadvantaged individuals.

In addition, Chris emphasised that issues such as fair payment for content, access to data, and methods for reaching media consumers will also be thoroughly examined. Chris noted that international competition authorities are conducting similar investigations to understand the implications of digital platforms on news media publishers. These investigations focus on sustainable business models, the quality of news media content, and advertising revenue. While South Africa is aligning with international regulators in Australia, the UK, and Canada, Chris highlighted that, so far, no regulator has presented a conclusive solution for addressing all of these challenges.

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