Meta said it may restrict Facebook news material in Australia if the government demands licensing costs in a recent parliamentary session. Meta’s regional policy director, Mia Garlick, said “all options are on the table,” including stopping Australians from sharing news information, to avoid these payments.
The Australian assistant treasurer is considering enforcing Facebook’s news content payment. Meta seems to follow rules only when convenient, he says. Nine Entertainment and Seven West Media, Australia’s major free-to-air television broadcasters, announced employment layoffs owing to projected income reductions once current Meta deals expire.
Following a 2021 legislation, Meta has partnered with News Corp and the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Meta says it won’t renew these partnerships beyond 2024. This aligns with Meta’s 2023 Canadian reaction to similar laws.
Meta is awaiting Canberra’s decision on whether to implement the 2021 rule that permits the government to charge U.S. internet companies for news content connections, according to Garlick. She also noted that many other networks provide news material.
Meta’s views echo its Canadian position, where it fought identical regulations.