Arabic version: أستراليا تقر ضريبة تفاوضية على منصات التكنولوجيا مقابل الأخبار

According to SBS News, the Australian government passed legislation on Thursday requiring major technology platforms to make commercial news deals with local media outlets or face levies.

The News Bargaining Incentive taxes companies 2.5 per cent of their advertising revenues unless they reach agreements with publishers. Proceeds would go to Australian news outlets whose content helps drive engagement and advertising revenue on technology platforms.

The measure applies to Meta, Alphabet’s Google, TikTok and Microsoft’s LinkedIn. It covers companies operating a significant social media or search service in Australia with local advertising revenue above $250 million.

Platforms can avoid the charge by securing agreements with at least eight publishers before the end of their reporting period. The value of eligible deals can offset levy liabilities, provided they support news production or concern publisher-produced news content made available online.

Spending with large publishers receives a 150 per cent offset, while spending with small and medium-sized outlets receives a 200 per cent offset. No individual agreement can account for more than 25 per cent of a platform’s levy liability. The law passed one day after parliament approved restrictions on gambling advertisements.