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.
Facebook already pays some media for news 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.
As the ACCC and the Government work to finalise the draft legislation, we hope all parties will engage in constructive discussions.
To be attributed to ACCC Chair Rod Sims