Microsoft still supports Australia's media code as rival Meta shuns the news
The tech behemoth's endorsement of journalism also comes as the media industry eyes licensing deals for the use of news content in artificial intelligence platforms.
The world's most valuable technology company Microsoft has reaffirmed its endorsement of Australia's news media bargaining code and expressed support for "fair compensation" for public interest journalism amid an unfolding stoush between legacy media and Meta over the policy.
The company behind Windows operating systems, Office productivity software and Xbox gaming consoles was a surprise supporter of the media code when it was introduced in 2021. Nearly three years on it says it still supports the framework, which compels its Big Tech rivals Meta and Google to strike deals with news providers and is designed to redress a bargaining power imbalance between platforms and publishers.
“Microsoft supported the News Media Bargaining Code in Australia and other legislative efforts elsewhere, to provide fair compensation for local, public interest journalism,” a spokesperson for Microsoft told Capital Brief in a statement.
“We remain supportive of these efforts and look forward to engaging in the policy conversations around how to support local journalism.”
