According to a report by Channels Television, citing AFP, the Australian government is moving ahead with draft laws aimed at ensuring large digital platforms compensate local news organisations whose content helps attract users to social media services.

The proposal would initially allow companies such as Meta Platforms, Google and TikTok to negotiate commercial agreements with Australian publishers. Firms that decline to reach deals could face a compulsory levy equivalent to 2.25 per cent of their Australian revenue.

Meta, which owns the social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, said it was firmly opposed to the legislation.

“Our position is clear: this law is poorly designed, grossly unfair, and will fail to deliver a diverse and sustainable news industry,” the company said in a statement.

Meta further argued that the proposal is discriminatory and economically flawed, maintaining that it would not achieve the objective of strengthening journalism in Australia.

The legislation is designed to prevent social media companies from removing news content from their platforms to avoid payment obligations. The move follows previous tensions between Canberra and technology firms over compensation for news content.

In 2024, when Australia considered similar measures, Meta responded by removing access to its dedicated news tab for Australian users.

Supporters of the proposed law argue that digital platforms benefit significantly from news content, attracting audiences and advertising revenue that would otherwise help fund traditional media organisations.

Research from University of Canberra found that more than half of Australians use social media as a source of news, underlining the growing influence of technology platforms in news distribution.

Australia’s government is expected to introduce the draft legislation to parliament later this year.