Free TV Australia says threats from Facebook to prevent Australian users from accessing or sharing news content is a clear demonstration of why the ACCC mandatory code is so important.
Facebook says it will stop news being posted if Australia goes ahead with plans to force payment from digital platforms for the use of news content.
“What we’re seeing today is a global monopoly that will say and do anything to avoid making a fair payment for news content," says Free TV Australia CEO Bridget Fair.
"Australian Facebook users are being held to ransom as a tactic to intimidate the Australian Government into backing down on this issue.
“This type of bullying behaviour is exactly the reason that the ACCC concluded that the mandatory code was the only reasonable way to even up the bargaining power between Facebook, Google and Australian News Media Businesses.
“Facebook is already awash with fake news and conspiracy theories. Removing trusted Australian news from their platform will only serve to allow misinformation to be further spread unchecked and unchallenged. Unfortunately Australian consumers will be the collateral damage in Facebook’s campaign to hold onto monopoly profits.
“We urge the Government to move to introduce the laws into Parliament as quickly as possible."
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