Law note · Australia
Treasury Laws Amendment (News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code) Act 2021
Inserts Part IVBA into the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), creating a mandatory bargaining framework between 'registered news businesses' and 'designated digital platform services' where a significant bargaining power imbalance exists. The Treasurer may formally designate a platform after considering imbalance and news-industry sustainability; once designated, platforms face compulsory arbitration. No platform has been formally designated.
Following the code's enactment Google and Meta struck voluntary deals covering 30+ news businesses, but Meta ceased renewals in 2024 and Google in 2025, prompting the News Bargaining Incentive proposal.
Primary source: https://www.accc.gov.au/by-industry/digital-platforms-and-services/news-media-bargaining-code/news-media-bargaining-code