OPINION

Tech news still cowed by digital giants

Oped, Published on 02/08/2023

» As more and more people get news and information from social media, one key issue has emerged in the international arena: bargaining power between news outlets and social media giants for fair remuneration. Some countries have enacted laws requiring major social media platforms to pay for news. A glaring example was when Australia in 2021 introduced the News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code (News Media Bargaining Code) which requires arbitration to take place in case two parties cannot reach an agreement. Late last year, the Canadian parliament passed the Online News Act that enables news producers to negotiate with digital giants for fair payment.