Passed by federal lawmakers back in June, the Online News Act stipulates that tech companies must pay journalism outlets if they want to use their content." Passed by Canadian lawmakers in June, the Online News Act stipulates that tech companies must pay journalism outlets if they want to use their content. Passed by federal lawmakers back in June, the Online News Act stipulates that tech companies must pay journalism outlets if they want to use their content. The bill scared big tech companies. “The money [from tech companies] actually needs to be directed to supporting jobs [in journalism] and providing transparency,” says Schleuss.