The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) made a submission to Treasury in late February 2023 to take on the role of the Digital Platforms Ombudsman.
This submission was made in response to Treasury's follow-up consultation to the regulatory reform recommendations arising from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) Digital Platform Services Inquiry.
The submission outlines how the TIO is the right body to handle digital platform complaints as the organisation is an established EDR scheme trusted by industry, government and consumers.
The TIO has the technology, expert people and established processes to support complaints about digital platforms.
In addition, the organisation already receives complaints from consumers about digital platform services but can do little to help as these matters are out of its authority. These complaints include problems accessing an account, scams and fraudulent behaviour, flagging of inappropriate content, and businesses disputing online reviews and comments.
The ACCC defines a digital platform as a website or app that is used by multiple groups of people at once, and where the platform and its users get value out of the contribution and presence of other users.
In the scope of their Inquiry, the ACCC included internet search engine services, social media services, online private messaging services, digital content aggregation platform services, media referral services and electronic marketplace services, as well as the digital advertising services supplied by digital platforms and their data practices.
Examples of digital platforms include Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, online retailers like eBay and Amazon, and many more.
As stated by Ombudsman Cynthia Gebert:
"In recent years, we've seen rapid developments in technology, regulation, and consumer expectations, and a general transition towards smartphones and other devices."
"This convergence of telecommunications and digital platforms means people now make calls and send texts through phone apps like Whatsapp and Messenger, they do business through social media platforms like Instagram, and advertise on Google."
"My office is already hearing about problems with digital platform services from people and small businesses who assume we are the right body to respond to these complaints."
"The TIO is ready to expand its remit to take complaints about digital platforms, either through a pilot or as a permanent part of our jurisdiction."
"We have the expertise to help consumers and the digital platforms find resolution with complaints and highlight systemic improvements that can create meaningful change."
Other key points include:
- The role of the Digital Platforms Ombudsman will not impact service levels to telcos and telco consumers, and no subsidisation of costs incurred by the work being undertaken for establishment and operations of a DPO.
- How the TIO will proceed next will depend on the decisions made by Treasury and the ACCC.
- A regulatory framework is necessary to support the scheme.
- A funding model is yet to be established.
- The TIO have supported the proposal for a Digital Platforms Ombudsman scheme since the ACCC's Digital Platform Services Inquiry in 2019.
View our submission via the link below:
Submission to Treasury - digital platforms regulatory reform
