Meta, the owner of Facebook, is considering blocking news content on its platform in Australia if the government requires it to pay licensing fees. Mia Garlick, Meta’s regional policy director, told a parliamentary hearing that all options are on the table, including preventing Australians from sharing news content.
This potential move comes as Meta awaits a decision on whether a 2021 law, which allows the government to set fees for tech giants to pay media outlets for links, will be enforced. Meta had previously struck deals with Australian media firms, but has announced it will not renew these agreements beyond 2024. The final decision on whether to compel Facebook to pay for news content now lies with Australia’s assistant treasurer.
