Full Breakdown
NZ Politicians Clash Over Big-Tech Copyright and Digital Bargaining
8/21/2026, 5:07:08 AM
Core Dispute: Big-Tech Use of New Zealand Content
National Party MP Paul Goldsmith and Labour MP Willie Jackson contend that major U.S. platforms such as Meta are infringing New Zealand copyright by harvesting local stories. Their disagreement centers on the remedy: Goldsmith argues against a levy on streaming services, while Jackson maintains that a tax-type levy is appropriate to address the alleged “stealing” of New Zealand journalism.
Legislative Background
In 2022 – 2023, Jackson introduced a member’s bill that would have imposed a levy on streaming services, most of which are headquartered in the United States. The bill was later withdrawn after National highlighted it, and Jackson clarified that it remained on the members’ ballot only because of an administrative error. Separately, the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill was introduced to Parliament in 2023, with an expectation of becoming law by the end of 2024. The Government placed the bill on hold in December 2024 after Australia enacted its own digital-news legislation, and officials say they are awaiting lessons from that approach.
Positions of the Politicians
Goldsmith emphasizes that the government should not add a new tax on streamers. “But what we’re not doing is bringing in an extra tax on streamers,” — States. National's Paul Goldsmith He points to his own “digital bargaining” proposal, which passed in the previous term, and says the government has not acted on his follow-up. Jackson, a former media and communications minister, describes the practice of content harvesting as “clearly illegal” and likens it to “murder,” arguing that journalists lose jobs because big-tech firms profit from stolen stories.
Official Government Stance
The Government’s decision to pause the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill reflects a strategy of monitoring Australia’s implementation before proceeding with New Zealand’s own framework.
Outlook
With the digital-bargaining legislation on hold, the debate is likely to continue. Both parties await the Australian model’s outcomes, and further parliamentary discussion may determine whether a levy or a revised bargaining approach will be pursued to protect New Zealand’s news ecosystem.
