Australia gives Google, Meta, and TikTok a choice: pay news outlets or pay a 2.25% tax

Australia has proposed a news bargaining levy targeting major digital platforms with more than A$250 million in local revenue.

Under the draft plan, companies must either negotiate payments with news publishers or pay a 2.25% levy, with publisher deals offsetting the charge.

The measure would replace the 2021 bargaining code and direct proceeds toward journalism and local reporting.

Google, Meta, and TikTok criticized the proposal, while Australia said it is meant to push platforms back to the negotiating table.