The Albanese government's proposed News Bargaining Incentive faces a formidable challenge as tech giants Meta, Google, and Oracle are expected to lobby US President Donald Trump to punish Australia for the policy. The initiative aims to compel digital platforms to compensate Australian media companies for using their news content.
Trump's animosity towards mainstream media is well-documented. He has labelled major outlets 'the enemy of the people' and frequently dismisses critical reporting as 'fake news'. This disdain extends to foreign media; Trump recently sued the BBC for $10bn over a documentary on the January 6 Capitol riot.
During a White House encounter, Trump told ABC's John Lyons that his reporting was 'hurting Australia'. Such remarks signal Trump's willingness to use trade leverage against Canberra. His 'disappointment' with Australia over its refusal to join US-led naval patrols in the Persian Gulf further strains relations.
Meta, Google, and TikTok are deeply embedded in the Trump administration. Meta has pledged $600bn in US technology investment, Google $68bn, and Oracle controls TikTok's algorithm. These investments give them significant influence to push for the scrapping of Australia's media code.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the policy, stating, 'Journalists are the lifeblood of Australia’s media sector... My government will always back Australian journalists and Australian news.' However, with Trump's contempt for the media and his transactional approach to alliances, the tech oligarchs may find a receptive audience in the White House.
