Facebook makes massive threat to block Australians from sharing news on social media

·

Australian’s ability to share news on social media is being threatened by Facebook as a response to the ACCC’s proposed code which would see publishers able to bargain with tech giant for payment for its news content.

The code in question is a proposed bill which allows publishers to bargain for payment when their content is used. Facebook claims that the move would force Facebook to pay arbitrary and theoretically unlimited sums for information that makes up only a small fraction of its service.

Will Easton, managing director for Facebook in Australia and New Zealand, has claimed that the bill would have a negative impact on the publishers who are calling for the change, as well as the tech platforms.

“Australia is drafting a new regulation that misunderstands the dynamics of the internet and will do damage to the very news organisations the government is trying to protect,” said Easton in a blog post.

“When crafting this new legislation, the commission overseeing the process ignored important facts, most critically the relationship between the news media and social media and which one benefits most from the other.”

Should the bill pass, the managing director says Facebook will have no choice but to suspend the sharing of news on its social media platform.

“Assuming this draft code becomes law, we will reluctantly stop allowing publishers and people in Australia from sharing local and international news on Facebook and Instagram,” Easton adds.

“This is not our first choice – it is our last. But it is the only way to protect against an outcome that defies logic and will hurt, not help, the long-term vibrancy of Australia’s news and media sector,” said Easton.

Australian Communications Minister Paul Fletcher declined to say whether he thought Facebook would make good on its threat.

“It’s far from unprecedented for big tech companies to make heavy-handed threats,” Fletcher said.

“We will continue with our thorough and careful process, our public policy process, based upon the facts, based upon giving all stakeholders the chance to put their views,” he added.

The bill has the support of major news organisations in Australia, as they believe that Facebook and Google are making large profits from ads, which take advantage of the journalistic content shared by its users.

Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the bill would move forward and that the government “does not succumb to threats”.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

How the US military base on Crete helped power the stealth bombing of Iran

A major part of the recent United States airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities unfolded quietly from Souda Bay military base on Crete.

Israel agrees to ceasefire after claiming to neutralise Iran threat

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran has officially come into effect, according to former US President Donald Trump.

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch visits survivors of deadly church attack in Syria

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John X, has visited the site of Sunday’s deadly bombing at the Church of Prophet Elijah in Damascus.

Greek women make history at Brisbane Jazz Club

'Girl From Greece,' by singers Mel Lathouras and Katerini Manolatos, is the first Greek-led project to perform at the Brisbane Jazz Club.

Ersin Tatar compares Turkish Cypriots to Palestinians

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has drawn a controversial comparison between Cyprus and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

You May Also Like

Young professionals ‘Meet n Greek’ at HACCI and Greek Youth Generator event

The 'Meet n Greek' event was organised by the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) and Greek Youth Generator (GYG).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wishes Australians a happy Christmas

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued a message ahead of the festive season, wishing everyone a "happy and safe Christmas."

Greece to investigate alleged breach of personal data of Greeks abroad

The Athens prosecutor's office opened an investigation on Tuesday into the leak of an undefined number of emails from Greeks living abroad, which were...