The social-media platform switched off news sharing in Australia last week in opposition to the proposed law. The government said on Tuesday it would take into account commercial deals Google and Facebook reach with news companies before deciding whether they are subject to the law. Facebook backed down from its news blackout in Australia after the government agreed to amend world-first legislation forcing the tech giant and Google to pay local publishers for content. In blocking news sharing, Facebook switched off the main news source for almost one in five Australians. Some viewed the arrangement in Australia as a victory for Facebook, which demonstrated its value to publishers struggling to grow traffic.

Source: News 24 February 23, 2021 09:22 UTC