Google and Facebook versus the Australian Government. Where does the real power lie?

Federal Parliament will soon debate the Australian government’s proposed legislation that would require tech giants like Google to negotiate payment for the media content they source from Australian media organisations. Google had initially responded to the plan by threatening to close its search engine in Australia but now seems open to deal with some Australian media organisations.

What does the dispute over payment for content mean for the Australian public? Will Google get out of Australia if a deal cannot be reached? Source: Image by keso/Creative Commons.

On Monday (15 Feb) Google agreed with Seven West Media to pay for news content, but Australian media executives are still keen for the federal government to bring in tight laws on this issue. Dr Nasya Bahfen, a senior lecturer in media and communications at La Trobe University, explains why the introduction of laws might backfire.

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