On October 1, 2019, this file photo shows the logos of mobile apps Facebook and Google displayed on a tablet in Lille. DENIS CHARLET AFP WELLINGTON -- The New Zealand government said it would introduce a law that requires big online digital companies such as Alphabet Inc's Google and Meta Platforms Inc to pay New Zealand media companies for local news content that appears on their feeds.
Minister of Broadcasting Willie Jackson said on Sunday that the legislation will be similar to similar laws in Australia and Canada and he hopes it will encourage digital platforms to reach deals with local news outlets.
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New Zealand's news media, particularly small regional and community newspapers, are struggling to remain financially viable due to more advertising moves online, Jackson said. It is important that those who benefit from news content pay for it. The governing Labour Party's majority is expected to pass the new legislation at a vote in parliament.
In 2021 Australia introduced a law that gave the government the power to make internet companies negotiate content supply deals with media outlets. A review by the Australian government last week found it largely worked.