"We think that investment in journalism is critical to a healthy democracy," said the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. You may be excused for thinking that the PM was speaking at the convocation of a journalism college. However, the PM was speaking to protect one of the critical pillars of the democracy, the Free Press...& from the raiders..the Big Tech.
The Aussie PM, on the back of these comments, announced what is now being touted as a pathbreaking initiative to save real journalism -- a news bargaining incentive. Under the new plan, any tech giant that fails to strike a deal with the local press would be charged a share of their total Australian revenue at 2.25 per cent.
Tech giants are opposing the proposed plan tooth & nail. However, the proud Aussies know the value of an intrepid press...Something that is forcing the politicians, like the Prime Minister, to take an unequivocal stand against the vice like grip of big tech and in favour of the national press.
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often said that a free and vibrant press is vital in a democracy, however, the shocking truth is that algo driven free trawling of the content created by the traditional media companies at huge costs is being raided for free by tech giants Meta, Google and now increasingly OpenAI.
Google AI Is Rewriting News Headlines And Publishers Are Paying The Price
Big Tech’s Free Ride On News Must End
It is not as if a proud Indian press corps that has defended the country's vital interests forever is asking for a favour...the world, realising the value of real journalism, is moving to safeguard it.
What Is Australia’s News Bargaining Incentive?
- Tech platforms must sign deals with news publishers or pay a 2.25 per cent levy on Australian revenue.
- If platforms make deals, they can claim 150–170 per cent tax offset on those payments.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
