Facebook news blackout over media law sparks Australia backlash

Australia’s government said on Feb 18, 2021 that Facebook was ‘heavy-handed’ and ‘wrong’ for introducing an unprecedented local ban on sharing news in response to pending legislation that would force the social media giant to pay for content. — AFP

BRISBANE, Australia: Australia on Feb 18 slammed Facebook as “heavy-handed” and “wrong” to impose a news blackout over a law that would force it to pay for content, warning the ban showed the immense power of Internet giants.

Facebook and other tech firms have pushed back hard against Australia’s world-first legislation, fearing it could create a global precedent and hit their business model.