Australia's 'News Media Bargaining Code' Sparks Tech Giant Showdown
The Australian government has proposed a controversial law, dubbed the 'News Media Bargaining Code', aiming to force tech giants like Facebook and Google to pay local media companies for linking to their news content. The final ACCC report was published in 2019, and a draft bill was released on 31 July 2020. The move has sparked a heated debate, with Facebook threatening to remove news content from its platform and Google launching a public campaign against the proposed laws.
The draft legislation, if passed, would establish a mandatory code of conduct, requiring tech companies to negotiate with media outlets over payment for news content. Failure to comply could result in hefty fines, up to 10% of the company's annual turnover in Australia. The sums involved are substantial, potentially exceeding $AUD 600 million (USD 40 million).
The Australian government enjoys support from major media companies, including Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. However, tech giants have pushed back. Google has expressed willingness to pay for content but has launched a high-profile campaign against the laws. Facebook, meanwhile, has threatened to block news content from its platform and has offered to invest millions more in Australian news businesses.
The proposed laws, if enacted, would significantly reshape the relationship between tech companies and media outlets in Australia. With the government standing firm and tech giants digging in their heels, the outcome of this power struggle remains uncertain.
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