Oregon’s Senate Bill 686 Aims to Compensate Local Newsrooms from Big Tech
Oregon’s Senate Bill 686, aimed at requiring large tech companies to compensate local newsrooms for content shared on platforms like Google and Facebook, is moving forward in the state Senate despite Republican opposition. The bipartisan-sponsored bill, backed by 14 Democrats and one Republican, mandates tech firms to pay a minimum of $122 million annually to support Oregon journalism. Funds would be allocated based on newsroom employment, with provisions for arbitration and support for a University of Oregon consortium promoting journalism.
Proponents, including various journalism leaders and organizations advocating for sustainable local news, argue that the bill addresses the pressing challenges facing Oregon’s newsrooms, as local reporting jobs dwindle. Supporters believe that compensating media outlets can bolster civic engagement and accountability.
However, the bill faces skepticism, particularly from tech lobbyists who warn that it might lead companies to withdraw local journalism from their platforms, potentially exacerbating the struggles of newsrooms. Concerns about constitutional validity were raised, indicating that the bill could face significant legal challenges asserting that it violates laws against the government taking private property for public use.
Critics, including Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham, labeled it a constitutional violation and warned it could cost taxpayers in legal battles. He expressed discontent over Oregon leading the way into uncertain legal territory, particularly in light of the federal stance against taxing the internet.
In response, Meta warned that if the bill passes, it could follow the same route as in Canada, blocking news availability on its platforms. Despite tensions between tech giants and lawmakers, advocates assert that SB 686 represents a necessary step toward ensuring the survival of local journalism in Oregon, emphasizing that successful corporations should support the communities from which they profit.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
