Australia to force Meta, Google to pay for news
Australia to force Meta
Australia has taken a significant step toward regulating tech giants by introducing a groundbreaking News Media Bargaining Code, which aims to force companies like Meta (Facebook) and Google to pay Australian news publishers for their content.
Specifics of the Law: The law requires Facebook and Google to negotiate payment arrangements with Australian news publishers in exchange for displaying their content. Mandatory Negotiations Binding Arbitration – If no agreement is reached, an independent arbitrator will decide on a fair payment.
Penalties for Non-Compliance – Failure to comply could result in fines of up to A$10 million per violation or 10% of annual revenue in Australia.
Background & Reactions:
The Australian government argued that platforms profit from journalism without fairly compensating creators when it passed the law in 2021 to address the power imbalance between tech giants and news publishers. Google initially threatened to pull its search engine from Australia but later struck deals with major publishers like News Corp and Nine Entertainment.
Facebook temporarily imposed a news sharing ban in Australia out of protest, but the decision was later reversed as a result of law changes. Global Impact:
Australia's move has inspired similar legislation in other countries, including Canada’s Online News Act and the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which also seek to ensure fair compensation for news publishers.
Current Status (2024):
Google has signed multiple deals with Australian media companies.
In some nations, Meta has stopped paying for news, claiming that its users don't care about it. However, in Australia, it remains subject to the bargaining code.
This law represents a major shift in how digital platforms interact with news media, setting a precedent for other nations to follow. Would you like updates on how this affects other countries?
Australia will force Meta and Google to pay for news shared on their platforms under a new scheme unveiled Thursday, threatening to tax them if they refuse to strike deals with local media Traditional media companies the world over are in a battle for survival as precious advertising dollars are hoovered up online.
Australia wants big tech companies to compensate local publishers for sharing articles that drive traffic on their platforms.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland stated to reporters, "The rapid growth of digital platforms in recent years has disrupted Australia's media landscape and is threatening the viability of public interest journalism."
"It is important that digital platforms play their part. They need to support access to quality journalism that informs and strengthens our democracy."
Social media platforms with Australian revenue of more than US$160 million a year will be taxed a still-to-be-decided figure earmarked to pay for news.
But they can offset the tax -- or avoid paying it entirely -- if they voluntarily enter into commercial agreements with Australian media companies.
Australia to force Meta, Google to pay for news
Australia will force Meta and Google to pay for news shared on their platforms under a new scheme unveiled Thursday, threatening to tax them if they refuse to strike deals with local media.
Traditional media companies the world over are in a battle for survival as precious advertising dollars are hoovered up online.
Google News LinkFor all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Australia wants big tech companies to compensate local publishers for sharing articles that drive traffic on their platforms.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland stated to reporters, "The rapid growth of digital platforms in recent years has disrupted Australia's media landscape and is threatening the viability of public interest journalism." "It is important that digital platforms play their part. They need to support access to quality journalism that informs and strengthens our democracy."
Social media platforms with Australian revenue of more than US$160 million a year will be taxed a still-to-be-decided figure earmarked to pay for news.
But they can offset the tax -- or avoid paying it entirely -- if they voluntarily enter into commercial agreements with Australian media companies.
The Australian government indicated the parent companies of Google, Facebook and TikTok would be covered by the tax, which will come into effect next year.
Officials said Elon Musk's X would likely escape because its domestic revenue was too small.
Hundreds of Australian journalists have lost their jobs in recent years as newspapers are shuttered and media companies downsize.
In 2021, Google and Meta struck a string of deals with Australian newsrooms worth a combined US$160 million.
But Meta has indicated it will not renew its deals when they expire in March, arguing that news makes up a tiny portion of its traffic.
The tax will be designed to stop the tech giants from simply stripping news from their platforms, something Meta and Google have done overseas in the past.
A Meta spokesperson on Thursday said Australia was "charging one industry to subsidise another".
Latest salvo
The spokesperson said the "proposal fails to account for the realities of how our platforms work".
Australia's University of Canberra has found that more than half the country uses social media as a source of news.
Supporters of such laws argue that tech titans attract users with news stories and devour online advertising dollars that would otherwise go to struggling newsrooms.
Google and Facebook owner Meta have pushed back against efforts in other jurisdictions to compensate news outlets.
Google began removing links to some websites in California earlier this year after the state said it would charge them for news traffic. Facebook and Instagram have blocked news content in Canada to avoid paying media companies.
It is the latest salvo in Australia's efforts to reign in the tech giants.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Samsul Arefin. and writers in History and other communities.
Empowering India's news ecosystem: A year of impact and innovation
Empowering India's News Ecosystem: A Year of Impact and Innovation Over the past year, India’s news ecosystem has witnessed transformative growth, driven by technological advancements, policy reforms, and a surge in digital media consumption. Stakeholders from across the sector have worked to create a media landscape that is better informed, more inclusive, and more innovative by tackling misinformation and encouraging regional journalism. Key Achievements & Innovations
By Samsul Arefin.9 months ago in History
Kyrsten Sinema
Kyrsten Sinema has become one of the most recognizable and debated figures in modern American politics. Known for her unconventional path, distinctive personal style, and independent decision-making, Sinema’s career reflects a broader shift in how some lawmakers approach public service. Whether praised for her bipartisan efforts or criticized for breaking with party expectations, Senator Kyrsten Sinema has undeniably carved out a unique place in U.S. political history. Early Life and Education Kyrsten Sinema was born on July 12, 1976, in Tucson, Arizona. Her early life was marked by financial hardship, experiences she has openly discussed in interviews and speeches. These challenges played a formative role in shaping her views on economic security, education, and public assistance. Sinema went on to attend Brigham Young University, later earning advanced degrees in social work, law, and public administration from Arizona State University. Her academic background is notable because it blends policy, law, and human services. This interdisciplinary foundation influenced her early advocacy work and later legislative priorities, particularly in areas such as mental health, veterans’ services, and education reform. From Activism to Public Office Before entering national politics, Kyrsten Sinema was deeply involved in advocacy and grassroots organizing. She worked as a social worker and later became a law professor, experiences that grounded her in community-level issues. Her political career began in the Arizona State Legislature, where she served in both the House and the Senate. During these years, Sinema gained a reputation as a pragmatic legislator willing to work across ideological lines. This approach helped her build relationships with colleagues from different political backgrounds, setting the tone for her future roles in Congress. Rise to the U.S. Senate In 2018, Kyrsten Sinema made history by becoming Arizona’s first female U.S. senator. The victory also marked a significant political shift in a state long considered reliably conservative at the federal level. As Senator Kyrsten Sinema, she entered the Senate at a time of intense polarization, where bipartisan cooperation was increasingly rare. Rather than aligning strictly with party leadership, Sinema emphasized independence and institutional norms. Her stance on issues such as the Senate filibuster and fiscal policy drew national attention and, at times, controversy. Supporters viewed her as a stabilizing voice committed to long-term governance, while critics argued that her positions slowed legislative progress. Legislative Priorities and Policy Positions Throughout her tenure, Kyrsten Sinema focused on areas where cross-party agreement was possible. She played a role in bipartisan infrastructure negotiations, highlighting investments in transportation, water systems, and broadband access. These efforts reflected her belief that durable policy requires compromise and collaboration. Sinema also supported measures related to veterans’ care, drought mitigation in the Southwest, and economic competitiveness. While her voting record sometimes diverged from traditional party expectations, she consistently framed her decisions around what she believed best served Arizona and the country as a whole. Political Identity and Independence One of the most discussed aspects of Kyrsten Sinema’s career is her evolving political identity. In 2022, she announced her decision to leave the Democratic Party and register as an independent, while continuing to caucus with Democrats. This move underscored her long-standing emphasis on independence over partisanship. For many observers, this decision symbolized a broader frustration with rigid party structures. Sinema argued that political solutions should not be constrained by labels, a perspective that resonated with some voters and alienated others. Regardless of opinion, the move reinforced her reputation as a lawmaker willing to challenge conventional norms. Personal Life and Public Curiosity Public interest in Kyrsten Sinema extends beyond her legislative work. Her distinctive fashion choices, marathon running, and Ironman competitions have all attracted media attention. Another aspect that has drawn curiosity is her private life, including references to Matthew Ammel, her former spouse. Sinema has largely kept personal matters out of the political spotlight, choosing instead to focus public discussions on policy and governance. Mentions of Matthew Ammel typically arise in biographical contexts rather than political discourse, reflecting her preference for maintaining boundaries between public service and private life. Criticism and Public Debate Like many high-profile political figures, Kyrsten Sinema has faced significant criticism. Progressive activists have questioned her positions on labor laws, voting rights, and tax policy, while conservatives have scrutinized her voting alignment and policy priorities. Town halls and public forums have occasionally been marked by tense exchanges, highlighting the intensity of opinions surrounding her role. Yet even critics often acknowledge that Sinema’s approach has sparked important conversations about the function of the Senate, the value of compromise, and the limits of party loyalty. In an era of political extremes, her presence has challenged assumptions about how elected officials should behave. Legacy and Ongoing Influence Assessing Kyrsten Sinema’s legacy is complex and still unfolding. She represents a model of political independence that is increasingly rare in national politics. Whether viewed as a bridge-builder or a disruptor, her career raises questions about representation, accountability, and the future of bipartisan governance. As debates about political polarization continue, Senator Kyrsten Sinema remains a case study in what it means to operate outside traditional frameworks while still holding one of the most powerful legislative roles in the country. Conclusion Kyrsten Sinema’s journey from grassroots activism to the U.S. Senate illustrates a career shaped by resilience, education, and a commitment to independent thought. Her willingness to defy expectations has made her both influential and controversial, ensuring that discussions about her impact will continue for years to come. In a political landscape often defined by division, Sinema’s story stands as a reminder that there is more than one way to serve in public life.
By Saboor Brohi 3 days ago in History
Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series: The Roots of Oligarchy in the Mediterranean
When people hear the word “oligarchy,” they often think of modern contexts. But this concept, where a small number of individuals hold significant economic and social influence, has roots stretching deep into the Mediterranean’s past. In this edition of the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series, we explore how the seeds of wealth-based societal structure were sown centuries ago, and how this legacy continues to echo through time.
By Stanislav Kondrashov5 days ago in History
Center Stage with Paul Stewart
*** I'm keen to republish the interviews I did for my series with Vocal creators. It's been a few years and I thought it might be nice to revisit these wonderful conversations. I'll be releasing them one at a time for a few weeks/months.
By Heather Hubler3 days ago in Interview
Comments (2)
Nice
very good