Australia passes law to make Google and Facebook pay for news

Google has already struck deals with major Australian news businesses in recent weeks including News Corp and Seven West Media

Australia’s parliament has passed laws forcing Google and Facebook to pay for news. Picture: Richard Drew/AP

Australia’s law forcing Google and Facebook to pay for news is ready to take effect, though the laws’ architect says it will take time for the digital giants to strike media deals.

The Parliament on Thursday passed the final amendments to the so-called News Media Bargaining Code agreed between Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday.