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GuardianDec 23, 2022
Australia to Tax Tech Firms That Don't Pay for News
Above: A Meta logo is displayed on a smartphone with a flag of Australia in the background. Image copyright: Avishek Das/SOPA Images/Contributor/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Facts
Australia plans to tax tech giants millions if they don't pay local news organizations for their content. The measure is reportedly aimed at forcing firms like Meta and Google to support Australian journalism.
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland on Thursday announced a "News Bargaining Incentive" — effective Jan. 1 — if the digital platforms' Australian revenue exceeds AUS$250M ($160M).
The Spin
Narrative A
In an era where digital companies have become information gatekeepers, they've systematically stripped news organizations of their economic lifeline. By leveraging journalistic content to attract users and ad revenue without fair compensation, they've pushed local media to the brink of financial collapse. Australia's bold initiative seeks to restore balance and ensure public interest journalism is fairly rewarded.
Narrative B
Australia's new proposal risks unintended consequences, potentially mirroring Canada's experience, where Meta simply withdrew news content, harming local journalism. By attempting to coerce tech platforms with punitive levies, the government risks creating a lose-lose scenario where digital platforms might choose to exit entirely, leaving Australian news organizations even more financially vulnerable.
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The Controversies
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