New details of Australia's news bargaining incentive legislation confirm that LinkedIn is no longer exempt from the agreement. This legislation mandates that digital platforms must pay for news content.
Under the updated rules, platforms including Google, Meta, TikTok, and now LinkedIn, are required to secure deals with a minimum of six media organisations. Failure to do so will result in a payment of 2.5% of their digital advertising revenue generated in Australia.
The government's changes follow industry consultations. The charge rate for companies that do not sign deals has increased from 2.25% to 2.5% of their digital advertising revenue. This adjustment means that only digital advertising revenue, not total revenue, will be subject to these payments.
Microsoft had previously lobbied in March 2025 for LinkedIn and Bing to remain exempt. While Bing is still not liable, due to its digital advertising revenue in Australia being under the $250 million threshold, LinkedIn's exemption has been removed.