Facebook blocks news content in Australia
February 20, 2021
The BBC Facebook page, as seen in Australia. (Alyce Collett/YJI)
Melbourne, Australia – Facebook took a huge step this week in its battle with the Australian government, blocking access to content from news outlets for anyone in Australia.
Facebook and Google have been battling with the Australian federal government over proposed legislation to make the technology giants pay for Australian news content on their platforms.
The legislation, colloquially known as the ‘Media Bargaining Code,’ would see companies like Facebook and Google have to negotiate with media companies about how much the tech companies must pay media companies for their news content, according to the ABC.