Meta and Google face ‘big tech tax’ as Labor plans how to ensure media sustainability in Australia

Key parliamentary report focuses on decision by Facebook owner to abandon three-year-old deal to pay for news content

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The Australian government should consider imposing a “digital platform levy” – a tax on tech companies like Meta and Google – as well as establishing a fund to help traditional news media organisations “strengthen alternative income streams”, a parliamentary committee has recommended.

The government-controlled joint select committee on social media and Australian society has released its second interim report, focused on Meta’s decision to abandon its deals with Australian news organisations under the news media bargaining code.

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