Social media inquiry calls for tech giants to be charged to operate
A social media inquiry has recommended a new digital affairs portfolio be established and big tech charged to operate platforms in Australia, with some proceeds given to public-interest journalism.
A digital affairs portfolio should be established and big tech charged to operate platforms in Australia – with some of the proceeds given to public-interest journalism – a federal inquiry into social media has recommended.
Established after Meta’s withdrawal from the News Media Bargaining Code, the joint select committee on social media has reportedly recommended a social media levy to overhaul the bargaining process and a government relief package for struggling media groups.
Recommendations also includes a mechanism to direct levy funding to publications in greatest need, namely regional outlets.
This and other efforts to hold the tech giants to account would fall under a new portfolio for digital affairs, the committee has reportedly recommended.
The committee is set to hand down its findings on or before November 18.
It comes after Communications Minister Michelle Rowland announced on Monday the Albanese government would provide $15m to regional and community news under a newly established News Media Assistance Program.
Beginning in November, it would direct the majority of funds to regional, independent suburban, multicultural and First Nations publishers.
“Local and community news outlets play a huge role in supporting a diverse and inclusive news media sector that is so vital to the healthy functioning of Australian society and democracy,” Ms Rowland said.
“We want to see more local journalists and publishers reporting on the issues that matter to their communities.
“This funding will provide the urgent assistance local news outlets need as we continue our work on News MAP – an ongoing program that will enable us to deliver effective support to the Australian news sector into the future.”
Labor and the Coalition are divided the consultation process, with opposition members reportedly saying the government was “weak” for failing to bring Meta back to the Media Bargaining Code, while a spokesman for Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones reportedly called the opposition “stubborn and shortsighted” on the issue.
The committee also called for algorithm transparency to be mandated, allowing users better insight into how posts are catered to them.
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