SYDNEY— Microsoft Corp. said. that the U.S. should replicate Australia’s controversial suggestion that tech companies pay newspapers for content – criticized Google and Facebook Inc. Alphabet Inc.
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has stepped into controversy involving competitors – especially in areas where they have a margin. Its Bing search engine is last on Google in the market segment. Microsoft has urged governments to better regulate face recognition technology and last year visited with videogame developer against Apple Inc. in a dispute over app store fees.
Australia’s proposal, if enacted into law – now before a parliamentary committee – could inspire other countries to pursue a global transformation of the relationship between technical companies and traditional media.
Some countries, especially in Europe, have tried to force technical companies to pay publishers, often with little success. Australia’s effort won a move last year, when the recession with pandemics put more pressure on media companies ’finances.
“The United States should not oppose an Australian creative proposal that strengthens democracy by urging tech companies to support free press,” Microsoft President Brad Smith wrote in a blog post that was announced Thursday. “He should copy it instead.”