Digital Streaming Platforms Need Strong Regulation – Screen Producers Australia (SPA) is alarmed by the announcement by Meta that it will no longer pay for news content in Australia is a stark reminder that transnational digital platforms will not hesitate to thumb their noses at even the most robust of Government laws and that playing fair is not in their DNA.
Digital platforms like Meta don’t want to play by anyone else’s rules. They are now actively testing the resolve of governments around the world to regulate to curb their market power by applying some reasonable parameters to the platform’s corporate interests to meet important national priorities.
“Whatever the outcome of the blowtorch being applied to Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code, the role of the Australian Government is to stand up for Australian consumers and Australian businesses in the face of this shameless abuse of market power,”
– said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner.
“As the Australian Government also prepares to bring forward legislation to regulate streaming platforms, it is a timely reminder that without robust laws, Australian businesses face ruthless business negotiations every day and have very little sway in the tough global marketplace.
“Without regulation of streaming services, the ability for Australian audiences to continue to see and hear Australian stories and Australian voices on their screens can similarly be switched off or put on hold by a decision in another country. That is not acceptable.
“It is right that the Australian Government now steps up to act in support of Australia’s national interest, whether that be for new journalism businesses or Australian screen audiences and businesses.
“Without strong laws, we all lose,”
– said Mr Deaner.
Media Release – SPA
Link to SPA HERE
Digital Streaming Platforms Need Strong Regulation
TV Central Screen Australia content HERE
Digital Streaming Platforms Need Strong Regulation
