Australia's government has unveiled a proposal to impose a 2.25% tax on major tech companies, including Meta, Google, and TikTok. This tax would apply unless these platforms reach commercial agreements with local news publishers, with the aim to funnel between
A$200 million and A$250 million annually into supporting journalism.
Communications Minister Anika Wells highlighted that many Australians are sourcing their news from social media platforms, asserting,
"It's only fair that large digital platforms contribute to the hard work of journalism that enriches their feeds and drives their revenue." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need to attach a monetary value to journalism, stating,
"There’s no substitute for Australian news and stories told by Australian journalists." The draft legislation, released on July 2, 2025, aims to support local journalism by taxing entities with a revenue exceeding A$250 million. Tech giants have opposed the proposal, with Meta arguing that news organizations post content voluntarily due to the value received.
Google, too, has rejected the tax, explaining that it already engages in commercial agreements with news outlets and criticizing the plan for its inequality.
Despite potential backlash from the U.S., Albanese asserted,
"We're a sovereign nation and my government will make decisions based upon the Australian national interest." Sources: 
Australia is proposing a 2.25% tax on major tech firms like Meta, Google, and TikTok unless they negotiate local news deals, aiming to contribute between A$200 million and A$250 million annually to support journalism. The measure reflects growing concerns about the sustainability of local news.
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