The New Zealand government announced plans to pass legislation requiring large online digital companies like Google and Meta Platforms to pay New Zealand media companies for local news content that appears on their feeds.
Willie Jackson, Minister of Broadcasting, said in a statement on Sunday that the legislation would be modeled after similar laws in Australia and Canada, and that he hoped it would act as an incentive for digital platforms to reach agreements with local news outlets.
“New Zealand news media, particularly small regional and community newspapers, are struggling to remain financially viable as more advertising moves online,” Jackson said. “It is critical that those benefiting from their news content actually pay for it.”
The new legislation will be put to a vote in parliament, where it is expected to be passed by the governing Labour Party’s majority.
In 2021, Australia passed legislation granting the government the authority to compel internet companies to negotiate content supply agreements with media outlets. According to a review released last week by the Australian government, it largely worked.
The New Zealand government announced plans to pass legislation requiring Alphabet Inc’s (GOOGL.O) Google and Meta Platforms Inc (META.O) to pay New Zealand media companies for local news content that appears on their feeds.
To read our blog on “New Google AR tools for shoe and cosmetic products shopping,” click here
