New Zealand Will Require Google And Facebook to Pay For News Content

The New Zealand government said that it will pursue laws compelling Google and Meta Platforms to reimburse New Zealand media outlets for local news content that appears in their feeds.

In a statement made on Sunday, Minister of Broadcasting Willie Jackson indicated that the legislation will be fashioned after similar restrictions in Australia and Canada, and that he hoped it would inspire internet companies to get into agreements with local news outlets.

Jackson stated, "New Zealand news organizations, especially small regional and community newspapers, are struggling to remain financially viable as more advertising moves online." It is essential that those who profit from their news content pay for it.

The new legislation will be presented to a vote in parliament, where it is expected to pass with the Labour Party in control.

In 2021, Australia passed a law granting the government the authority to compel internet service providers to negotiate content supply arrangements with media outlets. According to an evaluation provided by the Australian government this week, it was largely effective.