Australia's antitrust chief claims victory after Facebook standoff

The Google and Facebook logos, the words "media, news, media" and the Australian flag are displayed in this illustration photo taken February 18, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

CANBERRA (Reuters) - The architect of Australia's laws forcing Google and Facebook to pay media companies for content claimed victory on Wednesday, though critics said last-minute changes to appease Facebook favoured Big Tech over smaller news outlets.

After tense negotiations prompted Facebook to cut off news in the country last week, Australia offered a host of technical concessions and the social media giant said it would restore news as the revamped bill looked set to become law this week.