Microsoft president calls on other countries to 'copy' Australian media bargaining code

[Condobloke]

Microsoft calls on other countries to follow Australia's lead on media bargaining code

Microsoft's Brad Smith says the United States Government should not object to Australia's media bargaining code, urging governments such as the US, Canada and the European Union to follow Australia's lead in forcing tech giants to pay for news content.

www.abc.net.au

Microsoft president Brad Smith has urged other nations to implement legislation similar to Australia's media bargaining code, arguing the proposed legislation "strengthens democracy".

Key points:

• Mr Smith called on the US not to stand in the way of the code
• He said it would address the competitive imbalance between the tech sector and an independent press
• Google and Facebook are threatening to withdraw or limit services in Australia if the code is introduced

In a blog post on Microsoft's website, Mr Smith said the United States Government should not object to Australia's media bargaining code, urging governments such as the US, Canada and the European Union to follow Australia's lead in forcing tech giants to pay for news content.

"Yes, Australia's proposal will reduce the bargaining imbalance that currently favours tech gatekeepers and will help increase opportunities for independent journalism," the blog post read.

"But this a defining issue of our time that goes to the heart of our democratic freedoms.

"The United States should not object to a creative Australian proposal that strengthens democracy by requiring tech companies to support a free press. It should copy it instead."

Microsoft calls on other countries to follow Australia's lead on media bargaining code

Microsoft's Brad Smith says the United States Government should not object to Australia's media bargaining code, urging governments such as the US, Canada and the European Union to follow Australia's lead in forcing tech giants to pay for news content.

www.abc.net.au