Australia is taking action to ensure Big Tech pays for news content. The government revealed draft legislation that would require companies such as Meta, Google, and TikTok to compensate for the journalism they use or face a levy on their local revenues. Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that many people access news via these platforms. The proposed News Bargaining Incentive (NBI) would impose a 2.25% levy on the Australian revenues of these platforms, unless they reach commercial agreements with local news publishers. More deals mean a reduction in this rate, potentially generating A$200 million to A$250 million for Australian journalism.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of journalists in informing communities. This is Australia’s second attempt at legislation; the 2021 News Media Bargaining Code required payment to news publishers but allowed tech companies to remove news to avoid payments. In 2024, Meta did exactly this, resulting in job losses in Australian newsrooms. The NBI aims to address this by taxing platforms regardless of their news content.
The legislation marks an expansion from the previous code by including TikTok, while AI services remain excluded. The Assistant Treasurer mentioned that AI is being reviewed through other policy channels. The Trump administration opposed taxes on U.S. tech companies, threatening tariffs. Albanese asserted Australia’s sovereignty in decision-making.
If passed, platforms have until July to comply. Other countries, including Canada, Brazil, and the EU, have also challenged Big Tech, with varied success. Meta, Google, and TikTok have not yet commented.