Government Takes Action Against Big Tech's Threats

The Indian government has recognized the significant threats posed by Big Tech companies like Google and Meta to the survival of digital news media and credible journalism. These threats, primarily stemming from algorithmic biases and unfair revenue-sharing practices, have been causing substantial harm to the business of news, making it increasingly difficult for news organizations to sustain themselves.

According to reports, 90% of editors agree that Big Tech companies present an existential threat to the future of journalism. The financial impact has been severe, with news outlets facing a loss of advertising revenue and market share. Additionally, the spread of misinformation has been exacerbated, as credible news sources are being undermined by the dominance of platforms that prioritize sensational content over factual reporting.

In response to this, a solution has been proposed to regulate Big Tech and prevent anti-competitive practices. This proposed regulation aims to ensure fairer revenue-sharing agreements between digital platforms and news outlets, thus enabling journalism organizations to sustain themselves financially. Furthermore, media literacy programs have been suggested as a way to educate the public on how to differentiate between reliable news sources and misinformation.

The Indian government's acknowledgment of these issues has been seen as a crucial first step in addressing the challenges facing the news industry. In addition to regulations aimed at Big Tech, there is also a push for policies that support the creation of high-quality content by credible news outlets. These policies are expected to provide incentives for news organizations to produce well-researched, accurate reporting, which in turn will enhance public trust in the media.

Key recommendations from experts include:

• Implementing policies that prevent anti-competitive practices and promote fair revenue-sharing.
• Offering incentives to encourage news outlets to produce high-quality content that adheres to journalistic standards.
• Launching public education programs to help individuals identify credible news sources and spot misinformation.

If these recommendations are implemented, the expected outcomes include fairer revenue distribution for news organizations, improved credibility for news sources, a reduction in the spread of misinformation, and a stronger democracy through an informed citizenry. By addressing the existential threats posed by Big Tech, the government can play a pivotal role in securing the future of journalism and ensuring a diverse, vibrant media landscape.