Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Australia Passes Law Requiring Big Tech to Pay Publishers
Australia has made a new law about news on the internet.
It is aimed at large digital platforms and news publishers.
The law encourages platforms to make commercial deals with publishers.
These deals could involve platforms paying publishers for news content.
The government says the message to platforms is clear.
A deal must be completed before the platform’s financial reporting period ends.
If it is completed in time, it can reduce or offset the platform’s liability for that period.
The articles do not say which specific platforms or publishers have reached agreements.
Australia has passed legislation requiring digital platforms to pursue commercial deals with news publishers.
The government says the law is intended to encourage agreements between platforms and publishers.
Commercial deals must be finalised before a platform’s financial reporting period ends to offset liability for that period.
The legislation’s provisions apply to digital platforms that may otherwise face liability under the law.
The Australian government said the measure sends a clear message to platforms to negotiate commercial deals.
- Who
- The Australian government, digital platforms, and news publishers.
- What
- Australia passed legislation designed to make digital platforms pursue commercial deals with news publishers.
- When
- The legislation has been passed, but no specific date is provided.
- Where
- Australia.
- Why
- The government says the law is intended to encourage commercial agreements and make deals count toward a platform’s liability.
- Measure
- Legislation requiring digital platforms to pursue commercial deals with news publishers.
- Government message
- Platforms should pursue commercial deals with publishers.
- Deadline
- Deals must be finalised before the end of a platform’s financial reporting period.
- Effect of timely deals
- A completed deal can be used to offset liability for that reporting period.
- Affected parties
- Digital platforms and news publishers.
- Source quoted
- The Australian government, in a statement shared with Reuters.