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3h ago

Google to Pay R688 Million as South Africa Finalizes Digital Platforms Remedies

Enforcement now shifts to rolling out funds plus product changes set in the final report.

Independent and well-researched journalism needs to be protected. It has done more to expose corruption, fraud, state capture and corporate wrongdoing than any other entity in this country. Picture: AdobeStock
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Overview

  • The Competition Commission’s inquiry found that global platforms dominate access to news in South Africa, harming local publishers and extracting extra value from Google search estimated at R200 million to R300 million in 2023.
  • Google’s binding commitments include a Digital News Transformation Fund of R38 million per year for three years, Google News Showcase worth R71 million per year for five years (R355 million total), and an AI Innovation Fund of R45 million per year for three years.
  • Media outlets report Google agreed to a combined R688 million package for South African publishers, which industry voices describe as a lifeline rather than a full solution.
  • Microsoft must offer national media the option to contract with MSN and onboard up to five interested outlets within six months to improve monetisation and representation.
  • The inquiry flagged algorithmic bias that over-represents global outlets and under-represents vernacular and community media, while SANEF welcomed the remedies but urged stronger support for the Press Council and BCCSA.