Facebook, Google and TikTok will now be forced to pay for Australian news content under sweeping new laws cracking down on Silicon Valley giants.
The News Bargaining Incentive will stop digital platforms from dodging payments by simply blocking news content from their services.
The reforms, currently outlined in draft legislation, follows a long-running dispute over who should fund Australian journalism in the digital age.
Social media giants will be pushed to strike commercial deals directly with eligible Australian news publishers to avoid paying more money to use news content.
The Albanese government estimates the scheme could generate up to $250million, with the money redistributed across the media sector.
Platforms that negotiate and sign deals will receive offsets that reduce their overall financial liability.
Those who refuse to pay for news content will face a compulsory charge based on a proportion of their Australian revenue.
Any funds raised through the charge will be funnelled back into the local news industry to support journalists and public interest reporting.
Albanese (right) said $250million is estimated to be raised from the bargaining code update
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the reforms were necessary to protect journalism and safeguard democracy in Australia.
'This is not about government revenue, every single dollar will go back to journalists, to pay for the journalism that is produced in newsrooms right around the country,' he told reporters in Canberra.
'We think investment in journalism is critical to a healthy democracy. It matters. It is something that defines how Australian society operates.'
The Media Bargaining Code, introduced in 2021, failed to keep pace with platform tactics, allowing companies to sidestep obligations by removing news content, Albanese said.
The new model closes that loophole, making payment the cheaper and more practical option.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said the laws would modernise regulation as technology continues to evolve.
'There has never been a more important time to ensure journalists are supported to keep Australians up to date with the latest and most accurate news,' she said.
'This is part of the Albanese government's work to make sure our laws keep pace with changing digital technologies and deliver outcomes that are in the interest of the Australian public.'
Meta, TikTok and Google would be forced to pay for Australian news content under the change
Wells said funding would be allocated based on the number of journalists employed by each outlet, meaning organisations with larger newsrooms would receive a greater share.
Public consultation on the draft legislation will remain open until 18 May 2026, with submissions hosted through the Treasury website.
The government is also consulting separately on how any money raised should be distributed across the media sector, with a focus on sustaining newsroom jobs.
The move follows a broader crackdown on big tech, including last year's under-16 social media ban.
Wells has held high-level talks with technology executives over online safety, including a face-to-face meeting with the CEO of Roblox amid concerns about grooming and child protection.
The Daily Mail previously revealed the meeting took place at Wells' electorate office in Brisbane's northern suburbs, a deliberate signal the government would no longer roll out the red carpet for global tech giants.