Australia passes tech news bargaining bill requiring platforms to pay for content
The Albanese government has secured a crossbench agreement with the Coalition to compel technology giants to negotiate with publishers, raising the minimum deal count to eight and directing funds to the Australian Associated Press.
The Australian government has passed the News Bargaining Incentive Bill following a negotiated agreement between the Labor government and the Coalition opposition. The legislation compels technology giants, including Facebook and TikTok, to negotiate with news publishers for content usage. Key provisions include a requirement for platforms to enter a minimum of eight deals with publishers, up from six, with each deal offsetting a maximum of 25% of levy exposure. Five percent of funds will be directed to the Australian Associated Press. Communications Minister Anika Wells and Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino stated the law ensures fair recompense for journalists and media organisations.
The News Bargaining Incentive Bill was introduced into parliament following a deal between Labor and the Coalition. The legislation mandates that major technology platforms, specifically identified as Facebook and TikTok, negotiate with news publishers for the use of content. This move aims to address the financial sustainability of Australian journalism by ensuring digital platforms contribute to the cost of news production.
Key provisions include a requirement for platforms to enter a minimum of eight deals with news publishers, an increase from the previous proposal of six. Each deal allows platforms to offset a maximum of 25% of their levy exposure, a mechanism designed to encourage negotiations with a diverse range of media outlets. The specific amendment requiring eight deals was agreed upon during negotiations with the opposition.
Five percent of the funds generated under the scheme will be directed to the Australian Associated Press news wire service. The allocation of 5% of funds to the Australian Associated Press was confirmed as part of the final deal. This ensures a portion of the revenue supports the national news wire service directly.
Communications Minister Anika Wells and Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino provided specific commentary on the bill's passage. Wells stated the Albanese government is delivering for journalists and ensuring they get their fair share from digital platforms that benefit from Australian news. Mulino called it a significant day for the future of Australian journalism, emphasising the need for deals with a diverse range of media organisations to ensure fair recompense for the use of content.
The original proposal required a minimum of six deals with publishers. The legislation aims to address the financial sustainability of Australian journalism by ensuring digital platforms contribute to the cost of news production. The bill involves negotiations between the Albanese Labor government and the Coalition opposition.
The source text states the bill will pass parliament and will be introduced, but does not confirm the final enacted status or the exact date of royal assent. The specific financial impact on individual tech platforms or the total revenue generated for news publishers is not quantified in the source. The long-term effectiveness of the 25% offset cap in ensuring a diverse range of media organisations are included is not assessed.
