The Great Facebook News Ban

23 February 2021 7:37 pm

With Facebook banning news pages from sharing news on its platform this week, where will Australians get their news from now?

Well, Twitter, Reddit, Google, messenger pigeon, almost anywhere else …

After months of serious tension between the Australian government and Facebook, due to proposed legislation that would force some of the world’s biggest tech platforms to pay news publishers when they share their content, Facebook took some extraordinary steps by restricting news sites this week.

The move comes after News Corp signed a three-year deal with Google for the use of its content.

When you think about the possible repercussions for Facebook from this news ban, it’s a serious gamble and clear bullying from the social media giant. That’s not to say I believe Facebook is wrong. I’m actually on Facebook’s side here, but I do think the way in which they’ve gone about things is going to backfire big time.

Wondering just why Facebook made this decision? Here it is from Facebook itself: “The way you share news is changing. In response to Australian government legislation, Facebook restricts the posting from news Pages in Australia. Globally, the posting and sharing of news links from Australian publications is restricted.”

When there is massive news in the world of social media, my phone absolutely blows up. This week was no exception. I joined Angie Ayers from Triple M, Tony McManus from 6PR, and Pablo Miller from Triple M Karratha, to chat all things Facebook.

For those of you out there concerned about Facebook swinging the axe, I have two words for you: chill out. This isn’t the end of days. It’s simply two businesses having a fight.

If things don’t go back to normal, there are plenty of other ways that Aussies can get their news.

Who will win the great Facebook news ban? Well, only time will tell, but I can’t see Facebook winning this one.

Missed me on the radio this week? Have a listen below.