Big Tech Compliance Tracker: Australian Regulator Seeks Feedback On ‘Choice Screens’; China Bolsters Enforcement Of Antitrust Regulations

Here’s the latest news from the technology industry, which is coming under increasing global scrutiny from governments around the world.

Australian Regulator Looks For Feedback On Web Search ‘Choice Screens’

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) is looking for the input of individuals and “industry participants” regarding “choice screens” that let users select web search services on tablets and mobile devices instead of a search service chosen for them ahead of time, according to an announcement.

“We know that, in general, setting a default option substantially increases the likelihood that consumers and businesses will stick with that option. This can have the effect of reducing competition and consumer choice in the supply of these services,” ACCC Chair Rod Sims said in the announcement.

Device makers typically provide mobiles, tablets and desktops with an operating system installed ahead of time, with the inclusion of a particular web browser that often chooses a default search service to be provided inside of the program.

China Increases Enforcement Of Antitrust Regulations

As China looks to check increasing influence of Big Tech firms in the digital economy, authorities in the country have increased enforcement of antitrust regulations, Nikkei Asia reported. The State Administration for Market Regulation indicated that 108 antitrust probes were finished last year in contrast to 46 cases the prior year per the report.

In the recent opening of the National People’s Congress, Premier Li Keqiang said that the country “will strengthen anti-monopoly efforts and contain disorderly expansion of capital, and ensure fair market competition.” As it stands, Ant Group halted an intended double listing in November because of an “abrupt shift in regulatory policy” in the words of Nikkei.

United Kingdom’s Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum Outlines Priorities

The United Kingdom’s Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF), which was formed by multiple British authorities in 2020, has revealed its priorities for the coming year in a statement. Those priorities include “responding strategically to industry and technological development” and “developing joined-up regulatory approaches” in addition to “building shared skills and capabilities.” The Office of Communications (Ofcom), the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) created DRCF in July of last year.

Arizona Legislation To Prohibit App Stores From Making Developers Use In-App Payments Progresses

In a move that could impact Big Tech firms along with their mobile software, the Arizona House of Representatives gave the green light to legislation regarding app stores, The Verge reported. The legislation, which is an amendment to HB2005, now proceeds to Arizona’s senate. It has to pass there prior to being sent to Governor Doug Ducey. Under the amendment, stores that have over one million downloads would not be able to make “a developer that is domiciled in this state to use a particular in-application payments system as the exclusive mode of accretive payments from a user.”

Facebook Asks Judge To Dismiss Antitrust Suits

Facebook made its first legal move since the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 46 states sued the social media company in December of last year. It requested that a federal judge in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. dismiss the antitrust suits, referring to the filings as baseless. The FTC and the states accused Facebook of purchasing competitors to steer clear of competition, referring to the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.

Khan On Track To Be Appointed To The Federal Trade Commission

Following a nomination by President Joe Biden, antitrust scholar Lina Khan is reportedly on track to be appointed to the FTC. Sources said in a published report that so long as Khan is given the green light by the Senate, she will be confirmed as the agency’s new commissioner, tasked with working with the Justice Department to uphold antitrust law and look into alleged cases of deceptive advertising. If officially appointed, she would become the youngest commissioner of the agency of all time at age 32.