UK, Australia eye new laws to regulate Google, Facebook

The United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) proposed a new code of conduct, pro-competitive interventions in the market, and enhanced merger rules for regulating tech giants, such as Google and Facebook.

CMA Chief Executive Andrea Coscelli said the new regime should allow fair treatment for consumers and businesses from tech giants and competitors to face a level playing field.

Thus, Coscelli wants new powers for the competition watchdog to harness the full potential of digital markets and drive competition and innovation.

The new regime will require government legislation and will be included in a wider regulatory framework for digital markets, including new rules for harmful online content and data protection. It should enable innovation to thrive while implementing taking swift action to prevent problems.

Meanwhile, Australia finalized plans to make Facebook and Google pay its media outlets for news content, which is aimed at protecting independent journalism.

Under a proposed law, Big Tech firms must negotiate payments for content that appears on their platforms with local publishers and broadcasters.

In case of disagreements, a government-appointed arbitrator will decide for them.

Facebook Australia managing director Will Easton said they would review the legislation and hope to come up with a workable framework to support Australia’s news ecosystem.