Tech Giants Could Be Forced To Share Secret News Deals Under Australias Media Bargaining Code

Tech giants could be forced to hand over sensitive information about how they distribute information on their platforms to Australia's competition watchdog, as part of the federal government's commitment to level the playing field. game for public interest journalism in the digital age.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, under the Media Marketing Code, regularly publishes reports on how platforms distribute news content on their pages and whether there is significant bargaining power between tech giants and media organizations.

New data collection powers will also be introduced, giving the regulator the ability to force companies to give up their confidential commercial relationships with media companies.

The Federal Government's plans to legislate the changes announced on Sunday respond to one of five recommendations made by the Treasury during its November 2022 review of the Media Transactions Act.

The coalition government's initiative proved successful, leading to 23 deals between Google and news publishers and 13 deals between Meta and news publishers owned by Facebook and Instagram.

The ABC told the magazine it used the money to appoint 57 regional positions, including journalists in 19 countries, 10 of which it did not have before.

Other publishers, including SBS and Nine Entertainment, said the extra money helped them invest in more journalists and tell more stories.

Under the Media Negotiations Act, the Treasurer can order the inclusion of a digital platform, implying stricter rules for negotiations with press publishers.

No digital platform has yet been developed, but problems with code enforcement led to an agreement between Meta, Google and news publishers.

Deputy Treasurer Stephen Jones said the study's recommendations were "sound" and would strengthen the code for the future. But he warned that if tech companies don't step up, the device could be used.

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“But let’s be clear: We have the power to define digital platforms and we are ready to use it,” Jones said. “We want news media and digital platforms to come together and negotiate in good faith.”

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the changes would "help ensure public interest in journalism is sustainable in the digital age".

“Supporting these guidelines will help improve the overall landscape and ensure Australian media companies are properly compensated for their journalistic content through commercial agreements with platforms,” he said.

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