The Digital Platform Regulators Forum (DP-REG)
The Digital Platform Regulators Forum (DP-REG) is an important information-sharing and collaboration initiative between Australian independent regulators focused on fostering a safe, trusted, fair, innovative and competitive digital economy in Australia.
As technologies continue to evolve, DP-REG members continue to work together on emerging issues to make sure that Australians continue to benefit from new technologies.
Background
This working paper examines immersive technologies and their implications for privacy, consumer protection, competition, the media and information environment, and online safety.
Immersive technologies enable users to experience and interact with digital content in a way that looks, sounds and feels as if they are present. This includes technologies such as virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), augmented reality (AR) and haptics. These technologies aim to blend digital elements with elements of the physical world in a seamless way.
Opportunities and risks
Immersive technologies can help bring experiences to life and can intensify their psychological impacts. For example, gamers could have other-worldly experiences, like exploring alien planets or performing on stage for a live audience. The capabilities of these technologies could open opportunities for people and businesses across various industries – from consumers virtually trying on clothes before buying or students learning history by walking ancient streets, to surgeons simulating complex procedures.
However, these technologies also come with limitations, risks and potential harms. Current technological limitations may impact the quality of immersive experiences. In addition, it is likely that current high prices for some devices may have limited their widespread uptake. Hyper-realistic and real-time experiences afforded by immersive technologies may have a greater effect on the emotional response of users compared to less immersive forms of media.
A range of risks and harms may be heightened in immersive environments, including the collection, use and disclosure of personal and sensitive information of individuals, as well as scams, online gambling and harms related to online safety.
Common themes emerge from the potential harms associated with immersive technologies. For example:
- data practices related to immersive products and services may have implications for privacy, as well as for groups that are particularly susceptible to harm, such as children and people experiencing gambling harm, or to types of harm, such as gender-based violence, and for competition between suppliers of these technologies.
- the convergence of immersive technologies and generative AI may also pose risks relevant across different areas of regulation.
Applicable regulatory frameworks
Immersive technologies have the potential to impact various areas, raising issues that span the responsibilities of all DP-REG members.
DP-REG members’ existing regulatory frameworks can be applied to the harms arising from immersive technologies. As such, where frameworks apply, regulated entities using immersive technologies remain subject to consumer, competition, privacy, online safety and media laws or regulations, and are expected to comply with their obligations. The full working paper explains how immersive technologies intersect with the responsibilities of each DP-REG member.
Domestic and international developments
DP-REG members are conducting work to better understand these technologies and their implications in the Australian context. In May 2025, the eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) published an updated position paper on immersive technologies: Immersive technologies – position statement.
Internationally, in recent years a range of regulators and policymakers have focused on better understanding immersive technologies, and their implications for society, individuals and businesses.
Conclusion
Immersive technologies have emerged as a frontier for innovation that could benefit Australians and Australian businesses through a wide range of use cases. At the same time, policy and regulatory responses to these technologies should reflect that these benefits will not be fully realised unless their potential to create and exacerbate a range of harms is also understood and, where appropriate, mitigated.
Many of the risks that can arise in relation to immersive technologies are already clear, and often parallel or extend risks that DP-REG members have examined in the context of related digital platform services. As digital platform regulators, we are mindful of the intersections between the risks and harms arising within our remits and the benefits of co-operation.
DP-REG members will continue to apply our existing frameworks and engage with government on these issues to ensure the digital economy is a safe, trusted, fair, innovative and competitive space.
Find out more
The full working paper explores the world of immersive technologies. The paper provides background on the technology and explores key insight questions, alongside an analysis of the potential impacts and applicable regulatory frameworks to address them. It also examines the latest domestic and international developments relevant to this evolving area.
Note drafting of this paper was finalised in September 2025.
For more information about the regulatory remit and activities of each DP-REG member, visit the following websites:
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ACCC
- Australian Communications and Media Authority ACMA
- eSafety Commissioner eSafety Commissioner
- Office of the Australian Information Commissioner OAIC
This document has been prepared by the ACCC, ACMA, eSafety Commissioner and OAIC (member regulators) in their capacity as members of the Digital Platform Regulators Forum (DP-REG). The information in this publication is for general guidance only. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice, and should not be relied on as a statement of the law in any jurisdiction. Because it is intended only as a general guide, it may contain generalisations. You should obtain professional advice if you have any specific concern.
The member regulators have made every reasonable effort to provide current and accurate information, but do not make any guarantees regarding the accuracy, currency or completeness of that information.
Parties who wish to re-publish or otherwise use the information in this publication must check this information for currency and accuracy prior to publication. This should be done prior to each publication edition, as member regulator guidance and relevant transitional legislation frequently change. Any queries parties have should be addressed to dpreg@acma.gov.au.