The open letter published by Google today contains misinformation about the draft news media bargaining code which the ACCC would like to address. 

Google will not be required to charge Australians for the use of its free services such as Google Search and YouTube, unless it chooses to do so.

Google will not be required to share any additional user data with Australian news businesses unless it chooses to do so.

The draft code will allow Australian news businesses to negotiate for fair payment for their journalists’ work that is included on Google services.

This will address a significant bargaining power imbalance between Australian news media businesses and Google and Facebook.

A healthy news media sector is essential to a well-functioning democracy.

We will continue to consult on the draft code with interested parties, including Google.

Consultation closes on 28 August 2020.

More information about the draft news media bargaining code can be found here: Australian news media to negotiate payment with major digital platforms