Tech Giants Under Pressure: Canada, Australia and the EU Take Action, and New Zealand Considers Its Options
Published
Governments around the world are looking more closely at large technology companies. Canada, Australia and the European Union have all taken steps to challenge these firms on several issues. Their actions cover copyright laws, tax systems and the protection of children under 16 who use online platforms.
These issues matter because large technology companies earn money across national borders, often while paying relatively little tax in the countries where their users live. Copyright is another concern, since news and creative content are shared widely online, and creators and publishers want fair payment for their work. Protecting young people is also a growing priority for many governments, as parents and teachers raise questions about the effects of social media and other online services on children.
For New Zealand readers, the main question is whether the country should follow a similar path. Some people argue that New Zealand has the same kinds of problems and could introduce its own rules to protect local businesses, media companies and young users. Others say that the country should wait to see how these measures work in larger markets before acting. The debate is likely to continue as officials and the public consider what the best approach would be.
In summary, Canada, Australia and the European Union have shown that governments can respond to the power of major technology companies. New Zealand now has the opportunity to study their experiences and decide whether to take similar action at home.
Sources: Stuff
More New Zealand news
- Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) System Draws Attention at New Zealand Expo
- Migrant Millionaire Says 'We Give Back' and Challenges Common Myths
- Effect Acquires Born Digital to Expand in New Zealand
- Luxon Heads to China for APEC Summit as New Zealand Awaits Final Election Count
- Is Political Neutrality Still Expected in New Zealand?
- Luxon to Attend APEC Under Caretaker Government Rules
- Wānaka's $300 Million Health Precinct Project Goes on Sale
- Microsoft Outlook and Teams Suffer Major Global Outage