Australia To Force Tech Giants To Keep Paying For News

Australia’s government has announced that it will introduce new rules to compel major tech companies to pay local publishers for news content, setting the stage for a follow-up to its groundbreaking 2021 law, BBC News reporter Hannah Ritchie reported.

While the exact design of the new scheme, called the News Bargaining Incentive, is still under development, it will target platforms such as Facebook, Google, and TikTok.

Earlier this year, Meta—owner of Facebook and Instagram—declined to renew its payment agreements with Australian news organizations, leading to a standoff with lawmakers.

Under the new framework, firms earning more than A$250 million ($160 million; £125 million) annually will be required to negotiate commercial deals with media companies. Those that refuse could face higher taxes.

While the exact design of the new scheme, called the News Bargaining Incentive, is still under development, it will target platforms such as Facebook, Google, and TikTok. Unlike the previous law, the updated framework will require payments to publishers even if no deals are reached.

“Digital platforms receive huge financial benefits from Australia, and they have a social and economic responsibility to contribute to Australians’ access to quality journalism,” said Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones.

Meta criticized the move, saying the government was effectively “charging one industry to subsidize another.”