TikTok caught in Australian tech charge as Labor unveils Meta fightback

But Jones and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland have committed to funding media business at least the same level as the current voluntary deals, which have been estimated at nearly $1 billion over four years. Meta is believed to have paid media companies a total of $70 million each year before its deal expired this year.

Meta, Google and TikTok will all fall within the scope of the charge, referred to as a News Media Bargaining Incentive, as they earn Australian revenue of more than $250 million. Labor has not yet decided if Apple, which runs Apple News, and Microsoft, which runs LinkedIn, will be captured.

“The Albanese government is committed to a diverse and sustainable news media sector, given this is critical to the health of Australia’s democracy,” Rowland said.

“Large digital platforms have an important role to play in providing access to news for all Australians, and contributing to the sustainability of public interest journalism.”

Seven West Media boss Jeff Howard welcomed what he called a strengthening of the original code, under which the company had commercial deals with both Google and Meta. He said the updates ensure media companies are fairly remunerated for news production.

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“An enhanced News Bargaining Incentive means trusted and reliable news will continue to appear on these platforms, combatting the growing problem of misinformation and disinformation,” Howard said.

The government has opted against using existing Morrison-era laws designed to encourage tech giants to pay for news because they do not apply if a social media platform removes traditional media from its site, which Facebook has done in Canada.

The charge will apply even if platforms refuse to carry news, getting around Meta’s threat.

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