Australian government raises tech levy to 2.5% to fund local news
The Australian government has increased the rate of its News Bargaining Incentive levy from 2.25% to 2.5% of digital advertising revenue. The levy will apply only to advertising income earned in Australia and will affect platforms with local revenue above A$250 million, specifically Meta, Google and TikTok.
LinkedIn’s previous exemption has been removed, bringing the professional‑networking site within the scope of the levy. Companies that strike commercial agreements with at least six Australian news publishers can offset the charge; those that do not will pay the full 2.5% rate. All revenue collected is earmarked for the Australian news media sector to support local journalism.
The changes are slated for introduction when parliament reconvenes later this month. Publishing giant News Corp has criticised the revised design, saying it lets tech platforms off the hook, while other publishers have offered more measured comments.
Entities: Australian Federal Government · Australian Government · Daniel Mulino · Google · LinkedIn · Meta · TikTok
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] All money raised by the levy will be directed to the Australian news media sector to support local journalism. (Australian government)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Tech platforms must strike deals with at least six Australian publishers to avoid the levy, up from four. (Australian government)
- [● 2 SOURCES] News Corp said the revised plan lets tech platforms off the hook and criticised the changes. (News Corp)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The levy applies to tech platforms with Australian revenue exceeding A$250 million, including Meta, Google and TikTok. (Australian government)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The levy will be calculated only on digital advertising revenue earned in Australia, not on total company revenue. (Australian government)
- [● 4 SOURCES] LinkedIn is no longer exempt from the News Bargaining Incentive and is now covered by the levy. (Australian government)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The new levy legislation is expected to be introduced when the Australian parliament resumes sitting later this month. (Australian government)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Australian government increased the News Bargaining Incentive levy rate from 2.25% to 2.5% of digital advertising revenue. (Australian government)