Australia: Joint committee on social media and Australian society adopted report on digital platforms including recommendation of digital platforms levy

On 29 October 2024, the Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society advised the Australian Government to consider a digital platform levy. The levy would serve as an additional revenue source to support the enforcement of the News Media Bargaining Code, which requires digital platforms to compensate local news publishers. The levy would apply to platforms that host and distribute Australian news content. Revenue from the levy would fund systems oversight and be distributed through a fair and transparent method. The measure also aims to preserve commercial arrangements that support public interest journalism and digital media literacy.