Pacific media warns Facebook ban on Australian news could have serious effects in the region ThuThursday 18 updated FriFriday 19 Experts warn the Facebook ban on Australian news could have ripple effects beyond our shores. ( Print text only Cancel Analysts and journalists are warning that Facebook's decision to block Australian news sites could undermine democracy and help misinformation flourish in Pacific Island nations. Key points: Minister for the International Development and the Pacific called Facebook's actions "disappointing" The Shadow Minister for the Pacific blamed the Federal Government for mishandled its dispute with Facebook The move has also drawn an angry response from Pacific community groups in Australia.