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Australia Imposes 2.25% Tech Levy, Defying US Pressure

4/28/2026

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Albanese Imposes Tech Levy

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia will act in its national interest despite pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The government will impose a 2.25% levy on Meta, Google and TikTok revenue unless they strike deals with local news.
Minister Anika Wells said levy funds will go to news firms according to journalist count.
Google said it already has commercial agreements with Australian news outlets.

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Albanese Levies Tech

The draft law excludes AI services such as OpenAI, leading regulators to plan separate policy reviews.
Australia will impose a 2.25% levy on Meta, Google and TikTok revenue unless they secure voluntary news deals.
The program targets up to $250 million annually, distributing funds to outlets according to journalist headcounts.
The ABC and News Corp issued a joint statement warning that journalism faces existential threats.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 U.S. Telecommunications Act, signed by President Bill Clinton, overhauled media ownership rules and spurred massive consolidation. Within three years, the FCC recorded 30 major mergers, creating conglomerates like Comcast and AT&T valued at over $30 billion combined. Australia’s 2024 news-media bargaining code mirrors that legacy, imposing a 2.25 % levy on Meta, Google and TikTok to rebalance power between platforms and local journalists. If the levy reaches its $250 million target, it could reshape digital advertising revenue distribution and set a precedent for other democracies confronting platform dominance.

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Albanese Imposes Tech Levy

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia will act in its national interest despite pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The government will impose a 2.25% levy on Meta, Google and TikTok revenue unless they strike deals with local news.
Minister Anika Wells said levy funds will go to news firms according to journalist count.
Google said it already has commercial agreements with Australian news outlets.

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