- Facebook has banned millions of Australians from viewing news on platform
- The decision means Australians can’t read or share any news on Facebook
- The move is a response to the country’s proposed Media Bargaining law
- International news content will also be banned for Australian Facebook users
Millions of Australians have been banned from viewing any news content on Facebook, after the tech giant decided to ban articles from its platform.
The move is in response to the proposed Media Bargaining law, which would force tech companies like Facebook and Google to negotiate with news providers to feature their content.
Facebook’s decision means the nine million Australians who log into the site every day can no longer view any news whatsoever about their nation or anywhere else in the world – but can still read conspiracy theories, news from dictators and other extremist unsubstantiated views.
The social media platform’s 13 million monthly Australian users cannot read news from established organisations or even shares news with each other on Facebook – which is particularly damaging to those living in regional and remote areas.
Facebook’s move contrasts with Google, which in recent days has brokered deals with most Australian media groups – from Nine, to Seven and News Corp – in response to the regulatory push.
#Facebookbannewswebsites #shame pic.twitter.com/b50hoo6teU
— SinghStation (@MrSinghStation) February 18, 2021