Apple will join Google and Amazon in submitting evidence to an inquiry into the influence of big tech companies in Australia, ahead of a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday. The Australian Senate launched an inquiry into the "impact of international digital platforms" in September 2022. The inquiry comes in response to concerns about the outsized influence that big tech companies exert on Australia's markets and the country's democracy.
More than a year later, Business News reports that the three companies will face a parliamentary inquiry into the issue.
On Tuesday, Google will face the committee and propose that digital platform holders have the responsibility to combat misinformation online. Google previously stated in a document submitted to the committee that this is an insurmountable challenge and that there is no "magic bullet" to solve this problem.
While Google needs to solve this problem, it also needs to maintain the right to free speech. There is a "delicate balance" between the two. Google has an "important responsibility" to its users to "curtail those who aim to spread disinformation."
The search giant also said governments need to ensure platforms have plans to counter disinformation and regularly report and reassess disinformation as needed.
Apple and Amazon have both submitted their own submissions to the Senate, and both are likely to appear before committees in person in the future.
In its submissions, Apple reiterated as always that the right to privacy is a basic human right and that Apple will protect privacy when designing its products and services.
"We intentionally design and manufacture our products to the highest privacy and security standards on the market," Apple wrote. Apple also claims that it not only complies with legal requirements regarding privacy, but that the Privacy Principles should be the floor, not the ceiling, of data protection. It also insists it collects less user data than other tech companies and does not rely on monetizing user data or tracking or analyzing the information.
Amazon also outlined its economic contributions, including investments in logistics and fulfillment centers around the world. The country's PrimeVideo production was also mentioned.
The Australian Senate Economic Reference Committee is expected to report its findings to the Senate by December 7, 2023.
This is far from the first government investigation into Big Tech, as the group often faces scrutiny around the world because of its size and alleged influence. There have been numerous investigations over the years by the U.S. government, Britain and other countries.