In response to Australia’s proposed new Media Bargaining law, Facebook has announced it will restrict publishers and people in Australia from sharing or viewing Australian and international news content. According to Facebook, the proposed law “fundamentally misunderstands” the relationship between the Facebook platform and publishers who use it to share news content.
The US-based giant says Google Search is “inextricably intertwined with news and publishers do not voluntarily provide their content”. On the other hand, publishers willingly choose to post news on Facebook, as it allows them to sell more subscriptions, grow their audiences and increase advertising revenue, the company added.
Facebook also reports it has generated 5.1 billion free referrals to Australian publishers in 2020, worth an estimated AUD 407 million. Facebook also says news makes up less than 4 percent of the content people see in their News Feed.
The company claims it was prepared to launch Facebook News in Australia and significantly increase its investments with local publishers. However, “we were only prepared to do this with the right rules in place. This legislation sets a precedent where the government decides who enters into these news content agreements, and ultimately, how much the party that already receives value from the free service gets paid”, the company added. Facebook also reports it will now prioritise investments to other countries, as part of its plans to invest in new licensing news programs and experiences.
How the decision affects users, organizations, Facebook community
Facebook’s decision means people and news organisations in Australia are now restricted from posting news links and sharing or viewing Australian and international news content on Facebook. Globally, posting and sharing news links from Australian publishers is also restricted.
Australian publishers are now restricted from sharing or posting any content on Facebook Pages, while admins will still be able to access other features from their Facebook Page, including Page insights and Creator Studio. Google also reports it will continue to provide access to all other standard Facebook services, including data tools and CrowdTangle.
International publishers can continue to publish news content on Facebook, but links and posts can’t be viewed or shared by Australian audiences.
Facebook’s Australian community cannot view or share Australian or international news content on Facebook or content from Australian and international news Pages; while the Facebook international community cannot view or share Australian news content on Facebook or content from Australian news Pages.
Changes not to affect Facebook’s products and services in Australia
Facebook also claims these changes affecting news content will not otherwise change Facebook’s products and services in Australia. Australians using Facebook will still be able to connect with friends and family, grow their businesses and join Groups to help support their local communities, the company said.
The company will also continue to promote dedicated information hubs like the COVID-19 Information Centre, that connects Australians with relevant health information. The company remains committed to its third-party fact-checking programme, with Agence France-Presse and Australian Associated Press and will continue to invest to support their work.
