South Africa: Competition Commission closed inquiry into media and digital platforms market including recommendations for content remuneration

Description

Competition Commission closed inquiry into media and digital platforms market including recommendations for content remuneration

On 24 February 2025, the Competition Commission of South Africa (CC) closed an inquiry into the media and digital platforms market (MDPMI). In its closure report, the CC presents provisional findings and remedies from an inquiry into the impact of digital platforms on the South African news media industry, focusing on search engines, social media, generative AI, and digital advertising technology. Regarding generative AI, the document notes that AI developers have benefited from South African news content without adequate compensation, and AI chatbots may further reduce referral traffic to news sites. The inquiry proposes remedies such as content deals, opt-out options for AI summaries, and measures to ensure fair value exchange.

Original source

Scope

Policy Area
Competition
Policy Instrument
Unilateral conduct regulation
Regulated Economic Activity
platform intermediary: user-generated content, ML and AI development, search service provider, platform intermediary: other
Implementation Level
national
Government Branch
executive
Government Body
competition authority

Complete timeline of this policy change

Hide details
2023-03-17
in consultation

On 17 March 2023, the Competition Commission of South Africa launched the Media and Digital Platfor…

2023-04-20
processing consultation

On 20 April 2023, the public consultation closed on the Competition Commission of South Africa Medi…

2023-09-15
adopted

On 15 September 2023, the South African Competition Commission published the final Terms of Referen…

2023-10-17
in consultation

On 17 October 2023, the South African Competition Commission opened a consultation on its Statement…

2023-11-14
processing consultation

On 14 November 2023, the South African Competition Commission closed its consultation on the Statem…

2023-12-19
in consultation

On 19 December 2023, the South African Competition Commission opened a consultation on its Further …

2024-01-22
processing consultation

On 22 January 2024, the South African Competition Commission closed the public consultation on its …

2024-10-23
concluded

On 23 October 2024, the Competition Commission of South Africa released the results of a nationally…

2025-02-24
concluded

On 24 February 2025, the Competition Commission of South Africa (CC) closed an inquiry into the med…

2025-11-13
concluded

On 13 November 2025, the Competition Commission of South Africa released the final report on the Me…