“When I talk to Satya, I can say Microsoft is pretty confident,” Morrison told Canberra reporters without revealing the details of the conversation.

“We want the rules of the digital world to be the same as those that exist in the real and physical worlds,” Morrison added.

A Microsoft spokeswoman confirmed that the discussion had taken place, but declined to comment because the company was not directly involved in the law.

“We recognize the importance of a vibrant media sector and public journalism in democracy, and recognize the challenges the media sector has faced over the years through changing business models and consumer preferences.” A spokeswoman said.

Details of this topic

Google declined to comment.

The day before, Australian finance officer Josh Frydenberg said Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg called for a legal meeting and they talked, but he wouldn’t go back to the changes.

In a law Senate hearing, Treasury Deputy Market Secretary Megan Quinn said the Australian government has limited ability to intervene if Google’s departure hurt companies that rely on search capabilities. ..

“The (media negotiation) code does not prevent a large-scale withdrawal of services, and there are difficulties with any of the legislative mechanisms we have in order for someone to provide (force) services.” Quinn said.

© Thomson Reuters 2026

Microsoft discusses Bing with Prime Minister as Google looks to Australia’s withdrawal