Big tech hits back at Labor's news payment plan
The Australian government has introduced a Media Bargaining Incentive aimed at taxing large tech companies unless they compensate local news outlets. Meta and Google have criticized the plan as unfair, while media organizations argue it is necessary for the sustainability of journalism. The proposal is expected to generate significant revenue for newsrooms and will undergo further consultation.
- ▪The Media Bargaining Incentive will tax large digital platforms up to 2.25 percent of their Australian revenue unless they strike deals with news outlets.
- ▪Meta has condemned the plan as a 'government-mandated transfer of wealth' and argues that news organizations voluntarily post content on their platforms.
- ▪The government expects the new proposal to generate between $200 million and $250 million in revenue for local news organizations.
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Big tech hits back at Labor government's Media Bargaining Incentive plan By chief digital political correspondent Clare ArmstrongTopic:Media IndustryTue 28 Apr 2026 at 7:18pmTue 28 Apr 2026 at 7:18pmTue 28 Apr 2026 at 7:18pmThe government wants to charge a dedicated levy on the Australian revenue of tech giants unless they strike deals with news outlets. (ABC News: Stuart Carnegie)In short:Labor has unveiled a new Media Bargaining Incentive to tax large digital platforms up to 2.25 per cent of Australian revenue unless they strike deals to pay for local journalism.Meta and Google have criticised the plan as unfair, while media companies say it is essential to keep the sector viable.What's next?The draft legislation will go through consultation, with lobbying expected from both tech firms…
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