Facebook Accused of Deliberately Causing Havoc in Australia Over News Law – CNET

What’s happening CNET has obtained and is publishing whistleblower disclosures to Congress detailing how Facebook intentionally blocked Australian government pages as a negotiating tactic over a new bill lawmakers were considering. Why it matters The disclosure is the latest in a series of leaks that portray Facebook wielding its power as the world’s largest social network in aggressive and potentially damaging ways. What it means for you Lawmakers and regulators around the world are increasingly scrutinizing the tech industry, which could lead to new rules for how companies treat your data. Facebook whistleblowers accused the social network of intentionally blocking Australian government and emergency health official pages last year to influence a proposed law. CNET has obtained and is publishing the whistleblowers’ disclosures provided to Congress. Filed with US and Australian authorities in March and April, the documents describe alleged internal efforts at Facebook to break a February 2021 standoff with the Australian government. Australia was considering a bill that would force online platforms, including Facebook, to pay publishers for news items posted on their sites. Facebook responded to the proposed law by blocking Australians and publishers from sharing or seeing news on the social network. (CNET was among the news…
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