The global platforms’ gilded age is closing

The era of unchallenged market power for global platforms is ending as national interests drive new regulations.

David Kennedy · Venture Insights11 April 2023Period: April 20234 min read

Last updated 8 June 2026

1992→

Year of the Broadcasting Act defining current FTA objectives

Millions→

Australians for whom FTA TV is the video service of last resort

Locked

Companies covered:ACCCVenture Insights

Abstract

This report analyses the shifting regulatory landscape for global digital platforms and device makers, focusing on the Australian Government's proposed discoverability framework for Free-to-Air (FTA) television. It argues that the historical reliance on competition-based policy is giving way to a more interventionist approach designed to offset the concentrated power of global tech giants. This transition marks the end of a 'gilded age' for platforms, as governments move to protect national interests and local media industries through mandated discoverability and bargaining codes.

Key Takeaways

The Australian Government is moving to implement a discoverability framework to protect the visibility of FTA TV on digital platforms.
FTA TV remains the primary delivery mechanism for Australian content and serves as a critical service for millions of citizens.
Regulators like the ACCC are increasingly viewing 'market power' as plain power that requires government intervention to offset.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Regulators are abandoning a 20-year neoliberal competition consensus in favor of interventionist policies designed to curb the concentrated power of global tech giants. This shift revives economic theories from the 1960s and 70s regarding countervailing power to protect national interests.

The Australian Government is implementing a discoverability framework that mandates the visibility of local services on digital interfaces. This move ends a period of unregulated market access, potentially requiring platforms to support a shared industry app to simplify access for millions of users.

Yes, Free-to-Air TV remains the primary delivery mechanism for domestic content and serves as the essential video service of last resort for millions of Australians. Current legislative efforts aim to modernize objectives first defined in the 1992 Broadcasting Act to ensure local media remains viable.

The global platforms’ gilded age is closing

Abstract

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

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