The levy applies to Meta, Alphabet's Google, TikTok and Microsoft's LinkedIn, covering companies with a "significant" social media or search service in Australia, and local advertising revenue exceeding A$250 million ($178 million). Platforms can avoid the charge by reaching agreements with at least eight different publishersby the end of their reporting period. The value of those deals would be offset against their levy liability.

The passage of the News Bargaining laws comes just 24 hours after laws restricting gambling advertisements.

SYDNEY, Aug 20 : Australia passed legislation on Thursday that will force tech giants to pay millions of dollars in levies if they fail to strike commercial deals with local media…