Government Slams Meta’s Shocking Move: Is Facebook News Gone Forever?

Australian Government Reacts to Meta’s Decision to Remove Facebook News Tab

Meta’s recent announcement to remove the Facebook News tab for users in Australia and the US has drawn a swift response from the Australian government. The decision, aimed at shifting resources towards more popular features like short-form videos, has raised concerns about its impact on the sustainability of Australian news media.

Communication Minister Michelle Rowland and Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones issued a joint statement expressing their concerns about Meta’s move. They emphasized the importance of fair compensation for Australian news publishers, stating that Meta’s decision to stop paying for news content undermines its commitment to supporting the news industry.

Government Slams Meta’s Shocking Move: Is Facebook News Gone Forever?

The Australian government is currently seeking advice on the next steps from the Treasury and the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission. It sees Meta’s decision as a significant loss of revenue for Australian news media businesses and asserts that news publishers deserve equitable compensation for the content they provide.

Meta, however, defended its decision as part of an ongoing effort to prioritize features that users value the most. The company reiterated its focus on delivering content that resonates with users, particularly highlighting the popularity of short-form videos.

This move follows Meta’s earlier decision not to renew commercial contracts with news publishers in France, Germany, and the UK. The response from the Australian government underscores the broader implications of Meta’s decision and the ongoing debate over the relationship between social media platforms and the news industry.