Meta is thinking of blocking news content from appearing on the platform in Australia in case the Australian government forces it to pay licensing fees. When Meta's regional policy director, Mia Garlick, was asked if the company would block Australians from sharing news content to avoid paying fees, the respondent told the Parliamentary hearing that all options are on the table currently.
Garlick said, “There’s a large number of channels that people can get news content from.”
She further mentioned that Meta was awaiting Canberra's decision on whether to implement a newly introduced 2021 law, which grants the government authority to establish fees that US tech giants must pay media organisations for sharing links.
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Will Meta Not Show News In Australia?
Meta's recent statements suggest a firm stance similar to its approach in Canada in 2023, following the introduction of comparable laws there.
Initially, Meta entered into agreements with Australian media entities like News Corp and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation when the law was implemented in Australia. However, the company has since announced it will not extend these agreements beyond 2024.
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The decision now rests with Australia’s assistant treasurer to determine whether to intervene and mandate that Facebook compensate news providers. The assistant treasurer has indicated ongoing deliberation but criticized Meta for selectively adhering to legal requirements.
In response to queries about potentially blocking news content on Facebook in Australia as a means of circumventing the law, Meta’s Garlick asserted that such action would actually constitute compliance with it. She said, “Every other law – tax laws, safety laws, privacy laws – we work to comply with. It’s just that compliance would look slightly different in relation to this law if it’s fully enacted.”