Australia’s ABC and SBS Push for AI Companies to Pay for News Content

Australia’s public broadcasters, ABC and SBS, are urging the government to extend the news bargaining incentive to include AI companies. They argue that AI firms must pay for news content and comply with copyright, defamation, and privacy laws, just like traditional media platforms.

Public Broadcasters Demand AI Companies Pay for News

Australia’s public broadcasters, ABC and SBS, have called on the government to extend the news bargaining incentive to cover AI companies. According to The Next Web, the proposal aims to require AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic to negotiate commercial deals with Australian media outlets for using their content. Currently, the incentive applies to platforms such as Google, Facebook, and TikTok.

In submissions to Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence, ABC and SBS argued that AI companies should follow the same copyright, defamation, and privacy rules as media outlets. ABC described the current system as "anti-competitive."

SBS claimed that large language models, including ChatGPT and Claude, use news content without permission, attribution, or payment. The broadcaster argued this practice threatens the sustainability of the news industry and erodes public trust in journalism.

Government and AI Firms Clash Over Copyright Rules

The Australian government has ruled out introducing a text and data mining exception for AI training on copyrighted work. This decision aligns with the broadcasters’ demands but contrasts with proposals from AI companies.

Anthropic proposed a "narrow form of conditional approval" for AI training, suggesting copyright holders could block AI crawlers using robots.txt files. According to The Next Web, the company argued this approach would balance innovation with copyright protection.

SBS countered that relying on robots.txt places an unfair burden on rights holders to monitor and block AI crawlers. The broadcaster called the mechanism ineffective and urged stronger legal protections for news content.

AI Risks and Investments in Australia

Anthropic acknowledged the potential economic benefits of AI, stating it could transform the Australian economy and boost productivity. However, the company also warned of risks, including threats to national security, critical infrastructure, and public safety.

Anthropic plans to invest billions in Australia, including the construction of new data centres. The company’s engagement with Australian policymakers reflects its broader strategy to shape AI regulations while expanding its operations.

OpenAI and Anthropic executives are set to appear at parliamentary hearings in Sydney, though their CEOs will skip a separate Senate inquiry. OpenAI has already apologised to Australian officials for accessing four government websites without authorisation in June.

Background

Australia’s news bargaining incentive was introduced to ensure digital platforms compensate news outlets for using their content. The policy has primarily targeted tech giants like Google and Facebook, requiring them to negotiate payment deals with media companies.

AI companies face increasing scrutiny over their use of copyrighted material for training models. Globally, regulators and media organisations are debating whether existing laws adequately address the challenges posed by AI-driven content consumption.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

For founders and operators, Australia’s push to include AI companies in its news bargaining incentive could set a global precedent. If successful, it may force AI startups to budget for content licensing—a cost that could reshape business models. The debate also underscores the urgency of clarifying copyright laws in the age of AI, where innovation often outpaces regulation. Startups in this space should monitor these developments closely, as they could influence funding, partnerships, and compliance strategies.

Key takeaways

• AI companies may soon face legal pressure to pay for news content, similar to digital platforms like Google and Facebook.
• Relying on robots.txt to opt out of AI training shifts the burden to rights holders, rather than AI firms.
• Governments are struggling to balance innovation and regulation, with Australia taking a firm stance against text and data mining exceptions.
• AI companies’ engagement with policymakers signals awareness of regulatory risks, but their absence from key inquiries suggests reluctance to commit to binding rules.

FAQ

What is Australia’s news bargaining incentive?

It is a policy requiring digital platforms like Google and Facebook to negotiate commercial deals with news outlets for using their content, ensuring media companies are compensated.

Why do ABC and SBS want AI companies included in the incentive?

They argue that AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic use news content without permission, payment, or attribution, threatening the sustainability of journalism and public trust in media.

What is Anthropic’s proposed alternative to a text and data mining exception?

Anthropic proposed a conditional approval system for AI training, where copyright holders could block AI crawlers using robots.txt files.

How has the Australian government responded to AI copyright concerns?

The government has ruled out introducing a text and data mining exception, meaning AI companies must comply with existing copyright laws.

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