The world has reacted to Facebook’s shocking ban on Aussie news with outrage, with social media users and media outlets slamming the “bullying” tactic.
Australia s former CEO of Facebook has accused the social media giant of trying to bully and intimidate the country by banning its news sources.
Facebook blocked Aussies from reading and sharing local news on Thursday in response to a world-first law to make tech companies pay media outlets for the content they use.
When Australians go to reliable Facebook news accounts they are met with a message saying no posts were available.
Even overseas news is hidden.
Stephen Scheeler, former Facebook Australia and New Zealand chief executive officer, said the social media juggernaut has jumped the gun by banning news before the new law has even come into force.
The Where s William Tyrrell? Bring Him Home - Official page was taken down
Vital emergency services have been caught in crossfire of Facebook news ban
Official accounts for Queensland, SA and ACT Health pages stripped of content
Posts from the Bureau of Meteorology and helpline 1800Respect also removed
SA Health Minister slammed giant for blocking vital information in a pandemic
Government news sites are being affected by the Facebook news ban.(Facebook)
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the timing of Facebook s ban came as the social giant saw the passage of the proposed code through the House of Representatives yesterday - but the government had no warning.
The bill is yet to go through the Senate. Facebook is in no doubt that we re committed to the code, but also we would like to see them here in Australia, Mr Frydenberg said. Â
Queensland Health s page has been restored.(Facebook) But I think their actions today were unnecessary and wrong. Â
The Treasurer spoke to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg today about differing interpretations of the proposed media code.Â