Australia turns its attention to Google, FB's market dominance, data misuse

Google, Facebook have come under increased scrutiny internationally amid concern about the dissemination of fake news and their potential to dominate online advertising

Google and Facebook Inc. face a regulatory crackdown in Australia after the nation’s competition watchdog joined a chorus of international criticism over their use of data and the market power they wield across news and advertising.

In a preliminary report released Monday, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said a new or existing watchdog should investigate and monitor how large digital platforms rank and display adverts and news. It also expressed concern about a lack of transparency in how their key algorithms work.

“The ACCC considers that the strong market position of digital platforms like Google and Facebook justifies a greater level