Australia has passed the world’s first law requiring Google and Facebook to pay for news content on their platforms.
Last week, Facebook blocked all news content for Australians, but changed its decision this week after discussions with the government.
Following those discussions, the law was passed with new amendments that would allow Facebook and Google not to comply with the code.
Australian Treasurer Josh Friedenberg said in a statement that the amended constitution was passed by the House of Representatives after passing through the Senate. Approved by the Australian Parliament today (25th), the law will ensure that news media businesses generate substantial revenue for their content.