Australia is preparing to strengthen its media bargaining laws, requiring major technology companies to reach payment agreements with a wider range of local news organizations.
The revised legislation, expected to be introduced in Parliament, is aimed at ensuring that large digital platforms contribute more directly to the Australian news industry as traditional publishers face growing financial pressure.
Under the proposed News Bargaining Incentive, major platforms such as Google, Meta, TikTok and Microsoft’s LinkedIn would need to reach commercial agreements with at least eight Australian media organizations to avoid a government levy. The requirement was previously set at six outlets.
Levy Linked to Digital Advertising Revenue
Companies that fail to meet the required number of agreements could face a levy equivalent to 2.5% of their Australian digital advertising revenue.
The government says the revised approach is designed to ensure that money reaches a broader range of publishers rather than being concentrated among Australia’s largest media companies. A single commercial agreement would also be limited to 25% of a platform’s total levy liability, encouraging companies to spread payments across multiple outlets.
More Support for Public-Interest Journalism
The proposed framework would also allocate 5% of funds raised through the scheme to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), supporting its role in providing public-interest journalism and news services to publishers across the country.
The policy builds on Australia’s earlier efforts to make digital platforms compensate news organizations for the value of journalism distributed through their services. The government is now redesigning the system after changes in the way some technology companies handle news content and payments.
Why It Matters
Australia’s move highlights the growing global debate over how technology companies should contribute to the journalism ecosystem. News publishers argue that platforms benefit from journalism while capturing a significant share of digital advertising revenue.
Technology companies, however, have criticized similar measures, arguing that mandatory payments could unfairly target digital platforms and interfere with how online services operate.
The new Australian framework is therefore likely to remain closely watched by both the technology and media industries as the legislation moves through Parliament.
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