Big Tech Pushes Trump to Pressure Australia Over Online Regulation

Australia’s proposed laws on AI, online content, and making platforms pay to use local content have angered US big tech firms.

Elon Musk speaks as President Donald Trump looks on in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 11, 2025. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Large tech firms—including Elon Musk’s X, Apple, Google, Meta, and Amazon are urging the U.S. government to take action against Australia over digital regulations they say threaten their profits.

At the centre of the dispute is Australia’s News Media Bargaining Incentive, a law designed to force social media platforms to pay for Australian news content they display.