Michael Miller, head of News Corp Australia, has called on the Australian government to reject proposed changes to copyright laws that could favor AI and tech companies, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the creative industries and the Australian voice.

He warned that AI companies scraping online news content without permission could harm Australian society by reducing journalism and access to reliable information.

Addressing the Melbourne Press Club, Miller urged the government to strengthen protections for media, including implementing the News Media Bargaining Incentive and supporting pending measures like the NewsMedia Assistance Program.

Miller emphasized the need for a 'social license' for major platforms such as TikTok, X, Facebook, and Instagram, including penalties for breaches, to regulate their influence and accountability.

He called for the government to fulfill existing support commitments to help local media survive digital disruption, criticizing the Victorian government’s ban on print advertising, which he argued favors digital giants and harms local media funding.

Miller advocates for a level playing field where social media companies are held accountable for harmful content, similar to the accountability expected of companies like Optus.

He stressed the importance of maintaining strong copyright laws to protect creators, warning against proposed reforms like text and data mining regimes that could undermine current protections.

Miller highlighted concerns from musicians and authors at a Senate hearing, emphasizing that copyright is fundamental and should not be compromised by changes that could allow unauthorized use of content.

He called for government action on three fronts: enacting the News Media Bargaining Incentive, fulfilling the NewsMedia Assistance Program, and establishing a social license for tech companies to meet legal and ethical standards.

Miller warned that proposed copyright changes, such as TDM regimes, could destroy existing protections, and argued that companies using inputs should pay market rates.

He criticized the lack of regulatory scrutiny on big tech compared to other industries, calling for a level playing field and increased government intervention.

Miller dismissed claims that copyright law changes would attract foreign investment in data centers, instead urging the government to support small publishers with promised programs.

He concluded by urging industry and government to unite in defending copyright protections, supporting fair compensation, and ensuring a sustainable future for Australian media.