Australia Considers Big Tech News Tax After Meta Ends Publisher Deals
The Backstory: Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code
In 2021, Australia made global headlines by implementing the News Media Bargaining Code, legislation requiring tech giants like Meta (Facebook’s parent company) and Google to negotiate payments to news publishers for content shared on their platforms. This landmark policy successfully compelled Big Tech to establish commercial agreements with Australian media outlets.
Meta’s Strategic Shift Away from News Content
However, Meta has since dramatically changed course:
- Globally reduced news promotion across its platforms
- Shut down Facebook’s News Tab in key markets
- Stopped proactively recommending political content on Instagram and Threads
In March 2024, Meta delivered a shock to Australian publishers by announcing it would not renew commercial deals worth approximately $70 million annually that were established under the bargaining code.
Australia’s Proposed Response: The Big Tech News Tax
According to Financial Times reports, the Australian government is preparing a legislative amendment that would:
- Apply to social media platforms and search engines
- Trigger mandatory payments for news content when:
- Local revenues exceed $250 million annually
- Platforms fail to make voluntary agreements with publishers
- Allow tax credits for any voluntary payments made to news organizations
The proposed measure, which will undergo public consultation in 2025, appears designed to:
- Maintain financial support for Australian journalism
- Incentivize platforms to negotiate directly with publishers
- Create a fallback mechanism when voluntary deals collapse
What This Means for the Future of Digital News
This development represents:
- A new chapter in the global debate about tech platforms’ responsibilities to news ecosystems
- A potential model for other nations grappling with similar challenges
- An ongoing tension between government regulation and platform autonomy
As the situation evolves, all eyes will be on how this policy shapes the relationship between Big Tech and news media in Australia and beyond.
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