Facebook to restrict sharing or viewing Australian and international news content

·

Facebook will restrict publishers and people in Australia from sharing or viewing Australian and international news content.

The announcement comes in response to proposed new laws in Australia that would force tech companies to negotiate with media companies over how much to pay them for news content.

The move would also prevent people overseas from sharing Australian content on the social media site.

In a statement, Facebook said it had made the decision after being unable to find a “solution” in discussions with the Australian government.

“The proposed law fundamentally misunderstands the relationship between our platform and publishers who use it to share news content,” William Easton, Facebook’s Australia and New Zealand managing director, said.

“It has left us facing a stark choice: attempt to comply with a law that ignores the realities of this relationship, or stop allowing news content on our services in Australia. With a heavy heart, we are choosing the latter.

“Unfortunately, this means people and news organisations in Australia are now restricted from posting news links and sharing or viewing Australian and international news content on Facebook.”

The ban appears to have come into effect for at least some users, who are now unable to post links to Australian news articles on their Facebook pages.

The move comes a day after Nine and Seven West Media reportedly made multi-million-dollar deals with Google for use of content.

“We understand many will ask why the platforms may respond differently,” the Facebook statement says.

“The answer is because our platforms have fundamentally different relationships with news. Google Search is inextricably intertwined with news and publishers do not voluntarily provide their content.”

More to come.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Antipodes Festival uncovered: Hot tips and memories

Leonidas Vlahakis, a beloved figure in Melbourne’s Greek community, has an undeniable passion for celebrating Greek culture.

Andriana Petrakis named SA Woman of the Year finalist

41 remarkable South Australian women have been named finalists for The Advertiser Sunday Mail SkyCity Woman of the Year awards.

George Velentzas transforms Prospect Rd in Adelaide with major developments

A wave of new businesses is set to transform Prospect Rd, with 10 retail stores opening in the coming months across two major developments.

Lost works of Ancient Greek “Great Geometer” found among Islamic texts

These texts, were actually part of a collection of nearly 200 Arabic manuscripts brought to the University of Leiden in the 17th century.

Tourism in Athens more than doubles since 2008

The surge is evident on the streets of Athens, with a growing number of visitors, including many from across the Atlantic.

You May Also Like

Dr James Giallussi helps convey COVID-19 messages to Sydney’s Greek community

Dr James Giallussi, who owns a practice in Rosebery, is doing his part for Sydney's Greek community by sharing the COVID messages in Greek.

Greece and Australia’s Foreign Ministers discuss bilateral relations

Greece's Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, spoke over the phone on Monday with Australia's Foreign Minister, Marise Payne.

More than 60 candidates of Greek heritage running for Victorian local council elections

Voters gearing up to have their say at the 2024 local council elections in Victoria will have to navigate a raft of changes.