The Australian Government has come under fire from the Institute of Public Affairs over its response to the digital platforms inquiry, with the institute condemning the Government for a “disgraceful attack” on free speech.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to the adoption of key recommendations from its Digital Platforms Inquiry, saying they address its main competition and consumer priorities, including concerns about privacy and the use of data.

Faced with the power of global digital companies, the Federal Government appears to have lost its cojones. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and a host of other Coalition MPs and Senators have waxed voluble about the need to crack down on the likes of Facebook, Google and Twitter, but when it comes to action, they are all like wilting willows.