Michael Miller, executive chairman of News Corp Australasia, has urged the Australian government to avoid changes to copyright law that could favor technology companies. Speaking at the Melbourne Press Club on Wednesday, Miller expressed concerns that Australians are paying an “unconscionable price” for artificial intelligence (AI). He emphasized that this cost impacts the nation’s voice, culture, and identity as AI systems scrape news content online to develop new language models.
Miller criticized the practice of tech firms seeking access to content without proper permissions or compensation. He stated, “They’re seeking access to everyone’s ideas without permission and without payment, justifying this theft by claiming Australia needs to surrender its intellectual property or miss out on AI investment.” His remarks highlight the ongoing debate around copyright protection in the digital age.
The consequences of what Miller referred to as the “big steal” are significant. According to the Public Interest Journalism Initiative (PIJI), approximately 161 news outlets closed in the five years leading up to March 2023, a figure that is three times higher than the closures in the previous decade. This trend raises serious questions about the future of journalism in Australia.
Miller called on the federal government to reject proposals from the Tech Council of Australia that aim to create a “text and data mining exception” to copyright law. He argued that such changes would permit AI companies to utilize copyrighted material without obtaining the necessary rights. “The coming weeks and months are critical,” he stated, emphasizing the need for strong legal protections against the unauthorized use of creative content.
In his address, Miller asserted that existing Australian copyright laws are sufficient and that tech companies must adhere to them. He dismissed claims that altering copyright laws would lead to significant foreign investment in new data centres. Instead, he encouraged the government to advance the News Media Assistance Program for small publishers, a commitment made last year that has yet to be fully implemented.
Additionally, Miller called for the establishment of the News Media Bargaining Incentive, which PIJI noted has seen little progress in legislation this year. He proposed a “social license” requiring tech companies to comply with Australian market standards, echoing sentiments he expressed during a previous address at the National Press Club.
In that earlier speech, Miller specifically mentioned major technology companies, including TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram. He argued these companies should face criminal penalties if they fail to adhere to a legislated social license, underscoring the need for accountability in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
As the dialogue around copyright law and AI continues, Miller’s comments reflect a growing concern among media organizations about the implications of technology on traditional journalism and cultural identity in Australia.
