Australia to force Google, Facebook to pay for news content

Facebook and Google could be required to pay news outlets for their content in “world first” legislation set to be introduced to Australia’s parliament on Wednesday.

In one of the most aggressive moves to check the power of the US digital giants, Canberra plans to compel the companies to pay media organisations when their platforms host their content or face millions of dollars in fines.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the new rules, first mooted in July, will be introduced to parliament Wednesday and are expected to come into effect next year.

“This is a huge reform. This is a world first. And the world is watching what happens here in Australia,” he said.

Content Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com
Image Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com