The New Zealand government announced plans for a legislative initiative that would mandate large digital companies—such as Alphabet Inc’s Google and Meta Platforms Inc—to financially compensate domestic news organisations for content that is featured on their platforms.
Broadcasting Minister Willie Jackson indicated that the regulations will be based on analogous laws implemented in Australia and Canada, with the intention of incentivising the digital giants to enter into agreements with local media organisations.
“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 proposed legislation will be subject to a vote in parliament, where the governing Labour Party has an anticipated majority.
Earlier this year, Australia enacted a law granting the government authority to require internet corporations to bargain for sources of content with media organizations. Last week, the Australian government released a review stating that the resulting arrangement proved successful overall.
