The Australian government is set to introduce a new scheme compelling major tech companies, such as Facebook, to pay for Australian journalism, according to a report by The Age.
The plan, to be unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today, aims to impose financial penalties on platforms that fail to sign content deals, ensuring their contribution to local news, the report said.
The move intensifies pressure on social media platforms to comply with the media bargaining code or face mandatory payments to continue operating in Australia. This measure comes amid fears that the current code’s shortcomings could cost news providers an estimated $1 billion over the next four years.
The Age reported that the government’s approach could enforce financial costs on platforms that do not negotiate in good faith with news publishers. Facebook has previously threatened to block news content if forced to pay, raising concerns about how such standoffs might affect relations with key global stakeholders.
The initiative is expected to benefit Australian media companies, including Nine (the owner of The Age), News Corp, and Seven West Media, by securing fair compensation for their content, the report further said.
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