A move that has been strongly opposed by the tech giants, the Australian government has finalized a plan to pass legislation in Parliament that would make Google and Facebook pay media outlets in the country for news content.
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This world’s-first move is being seen by many as aimed at protecting independent journalism.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the big tech firms must negotiate with local publishers and broadcasters how much they would pay for content that appears on their platforms.
"This is a huge reform, this is a world first, and the world is watching what happens here in Australia," Frydenberg told reporters in the capital city of Canberra. If they can't strike a deal, a government-appointed arbitrator will decide for them.
The tech giants, however, have vehemently opposed the move and have threatened to stop offering their services in Australia. Till now, possibly it’s the strongest check and balance action both the US companies are facing in the digital market monopolized by them.