Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young roasted Treasurer Josh Fryderberg, telling Parliament: The government has buckled here. You ve blinked, you weakened the power the minister has because Facebook bullied you. This is a face-saving exercise by the Treasurer .
Facebook shocked the world last week when it blocked Australian news websites in response to a new law forcing it to pay media companies for news content.
The tech giant on Tuesday said it would end the ban after the government made changes to the bill, including a clause exempting a platform if it makes a significant contribution to news in Australia.
The Greens and independent senator Rex Patrick said this amendment could allow the Treasurer to let big tech off the hook after just a few deals with large companies like News Corp, leaving smaller publishers unable to get any cash.
Australia passes world-first new law forcing Facebook and Google to pay for news dailymail.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailymail.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Facebook claims it can PICK AND CHOOSE who it pays after Australia caves in over news blockade: Zuckerberg agrees to reinstate papers in Newsfeed after government agrees to water down new laws to force tech giants to pay for content
Facebook claims it will be able to pick and choose which news organisations it pays under new laws being voted on in Australia
Rule could allow the site to ban companies it disagrees with or those demanding high prices for their news, while under-cutting them with cheaper rivals
If confirmed, it would hand tech giant a powerful tool in fight over paid content
Australian rival to Facebook slams social media giant s bullying tactics dailymail.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailymail.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.