Free Speech Union said the legislation could have unintended consequences for fundamental rights
The Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill (FDNBB), aimed at requiring large digital platforms to pay for using mainstream media content, is facing public scepticism due to concerns about its potential impact on access to information.
The Free Speech Union highlighted these concerns, with polling data showing significant opposition to the bill’s implications.
In a statement, Jonathan Ayling, chief executive of the Free Speech Union, stated that the legislation could have unintended consequences for New Zealanders’ fundamental rights under section 14 of the Bill of Rights Act, which guarantees the freedom to seek, impart, and receive information.
The Bill would allow news organisations to negotiate compensation from Big Tech companies like Google and Meta for using their content, Ayling said. However, Google has already threatened to remove all news content from its search results if the bill is enacted, which could severely limit access to information, Ayling added.
Polling data commissioned by the Free Speech Union indicated that 65 per cent of respondents would feel “very annoyed” or “somewhat annoyed” if search engines and social media platforms no longer provided links to New Zealand news stories. The sentiment is particularly strong among younger demographics, with 75 per cent of respondents under 40 expressing frustrations at the potential loss of digital access to news.
While supporters argued that the FDNBB would help sustain journalism by ensuring fair compensation for media outlets, critics warn that the legislation risks restricting the public’s ability to stay informed. Ayling emphasised the importance of balancing measures to address Big Tech’s influence with maintaining a free and competitive marketplace for information.
Though, at first glance, the bill appears to support journalism and mainstream media back it, voters are clearly sceptical, Ayling noted. The government needs to listen to these concerns and rethink its approach to ensure the public’s right to information is not compromised, Ayling said.
