Australia will force big tech companies to pay for journalism under a new scheme that seeks to punish global platforms such as Facebook for refusing to sign local news content deals.

In a move certain to be closely watched by other nations struggling to preserve their news media, big tech companies will have to pay a new charge to keep operating in Australia if they do not enter negotiations to compensate Australian media for use of their content.

The initiative, which could raise more than A$1 billion (£503 million) over four years for Australian media companies battling declining revenue, was announced on Thursday and represents a much tougher stance by Australia against big tech.

• Tech barons were untouchable. Then France came for Telegram

It