Facebook reverses news ban - 1st March 2021

Facebook has reversed its ban on Australian news. The platform had attracted the ire of its Australian users after it prohibited the sharing of news content on its platform, a move which could have global consequences for how news is accessed online.

The ban was imposed following the proposal of new legislation which would compel Facebook and Google to remunerate Australian media outlets for the use of their news content on the tech giants platforms.

Seeking to redress the balance between the US tech behemoths and floundering news publications, the Australian government hopes the law will prop up a news industry that has seen its revenue shrink with the rise of big tech. Facebook and Google currently pocket over four fifths of the money invested in digital advertising in Australia.

The tech firms say the law demonstrates an unrealistic view of how the internet operates and unfairly penalises their platforms. Despite initially threatening to retaliate, Google soon capitulated and announced deals with three major Australian news corporations.

Facebook chose instead to block content, leaving Australians without the ability to access news via their accounts. Those outside the country could no longer post or share links from Australian publications.

The decision infuriated many Australians who rely on the platform for access to trustworthy sources. Many highlighted that Facebook is key in the distribution of pandemic and national disaster related updates. Others raised concerns about misinformation now freely circulating on the site.

Australia's conservative government vowed to push forward with the law.

"We will legislate this code. We want the digital giants paying traditional news media businesses for generating original journalistic content," said Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. He went on to warn Facebook that "the eyes of the world are watching what's happening here".

A compromise has since been reached following government amendments to its landmark media code. Facebook is now negotiating with several Australian media outlets and access to news will soon be restored.