On Monday, Facebook announced that it would stop Australian users from sharing news on its platform if a draft code proposed by the ACCC becomes law that would require it to pay local media companies for their content. If the law comes into force, tech giants like Facebook and Google will have three months to negotiate with Australian media outlets.
"Facebook’s threat today to prevent any sharing of news on its services in Australia is ill-timed and misconceived. The draft media bargaining code aims to ensure Australian news businesses, including independent, community and regional media, can get a seat at the table for fair negotiations with Facebook and Google," Sims said in a statement.
The ACCC chair added that Facebook was already paying some media organizations for their content.
"The code simply aims to bring fairness and transparency to Facebook and Google’s relationships with Australian news media businesses. We note that according to the University of Canberra’s 2020 Digital News Report, 39% of Australians use Facebook for general news, and 49% use Facebook for news about COVID-19," the statement read.
Meanwhile, according to Facebook, the competition watchdog underestimates the dynamics of the internet.
