- Australia to put tech giants in their place with particular fees
- Social media platforms in Australia receive more than $160 million in revenue
Australia to put tech giants in their place with particular fees
Australia unveiled a new plan on Thursday that will require Meta and Google to pay fees for news published on their platforms or enter into contracts with local media.
Around the world, traditional media companies are fighting fiercely to survive, while advertisers' dollars disappear online.
Australia wants to force the big tech companies to pay local publishers to host news links that drive traffic to their platforms, something the tech giants initially opposed.
"It's important that digital platforms do their part. They must provide access to quality journalism that keeps the public informed and strengthens our democracy," said Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.
Social media platforms in Australia receive more than $160 million in revenue
News stories generated by social media platforms with annual revenues of more than USD 160 million will have to pay a fee, the amount of which is yet to be determined.
Alternatively, they can opt not to pay the fee if they voluntarily enter into commercial agreements with Australian media companies.
This is the latest in a series of efforts by Australia to clamp down on tech giants. Last month, Australia voted to introduce legislation to ban the use of social networks by under-16s.
Fines are also being considered for companies that fail to prevent the spread of offensive content and misinformation.
Based on ELTA reports
