NetChoice Reiterates Opposition to California Journalism Bill

A California bill that would force tech platforms to pay for news content would undermine the independence of journalists by making them “dependent on government handouts,” NetChoice said Wednesday. Tech associations oppose the California Journalism Preservation Act (AB-886), a bill the Assembly approved, but the Senate failed to pass in 2023. The bill was re-referred to the state's Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday and is scheduled for a June 25 hearing. Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D) introduced the legislation. Nothing in the bill ensures news organizations will use the proceeds to better fund journalism efforts, Vice President Carl Szabo said. In addition, it would let the government decide who’s a journalist, while forcing companies like Reddit and Pinterest to pay millions to major news companies, he said.