Australia hikes levy for tech giants that fail to strike local news deals
The levy now applies to digital ad revenue and rises to 2.5%, with the government saying the change will direct more support to regional and small publishers.
- On Monday, the Australian government finalized the News Bargaining Incentive, requiring social media and search platforms—including LinkedIn—to pay a 2.5% levy on digital advertising revenue if they fail to secure six commercial agreements with local news publishers.
- Officials introduced the stricter policy after major platforms like Meta previously sidestepped the 2021 Morrison-era News Media Bargaining Code by de-prioritizing news content rather than paying, creating significant bargaining power imbalances against Australian media businesses.
- Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino confirmed the 2.5% levy applies to entities earning $250 million or more annually, while the government increased the offset for deals with small publishers to 200% to encourage broader regional support.
- Communications Minister Anika Wells described journalism as the "lifeblood" of democracy, noting the scheme directs 5% of raised funds to a grants program for small publishers and start-ups turning over less than $150,000 annually.
- With legislation expected to be introduced to Parliament within weeks, Mulino expressed confidence that platforms would choose to participate in the Australian market rather than exit, aiming to secure a sustainable news production ecosystem.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
Tech industry slams ‘cosmetic’ changes to news levy, US renews ‘extortion’ claim
It seems changes to Australia’s plan to force big tech firms to pay for journalism appearing on social media are not enough to placate US firms or Donald Trump.
Australia Finalizes Plan Requiring Tech Platforms to Pay News Media
Australia has finalized its News Bargaining Incentive, a plan requiring large technology platforms to pay Australian news publishers or face a charge on digital advertising revenue, according to the final plan released Monday, Aug. 3. [1]. Legislation is expected to reach parliament within weeks, officials said. According to the finalized plan, the plan imposes a 2.5% […]
Online news. Where is it?
By R.A. Garber The government decided to require tech giants to pay news media for their content that is shared on digital platforms. Google cut a deal, but Meta instantly blocked news content on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram. Does that ring a bell? Think I am referring to Canada? Yes, it happened here, and it affects us all. But think again. Just like New Year’s Day, this happened first in Australia. It happened first in Australia Back …
Australia Finalizes Its Plan to Force Tech Platforms To Pay News Media
If you’re tired of censorship and surveillance, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. Australia has finalized its News Bargaining Incentive. It’s all a way of forcing tech platforms to prop up notably legacy news brands through a 2.5% charge on the digital advertising revenue of any large platform that fails to sign commercial deals with at...
In the face of the collapse of the economic model of the media, Australia is preparing a new offensive against the digital giants. Google, Meta, TikTok and other platforms could be forced to better pay the press companies. A reform that revives a central issue: who should finance the production of information in the time of social networks and artificial intelligence?
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