Facebook has apparently softened its stance on resolving conflicts over revenue sharing from news content, back to the negotiating table.
The media around the world is keeping a close eye on the matter. Facebook is expected to agree to share revenue with the media. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Saturday that talks were expected to lead to an acceptable solution to Facebook's revenue sharing. Welcoming the initiative, the Australian Prime Minister told a news conference in Sydney, "Facebook has brought friendship for the time being. I'm glad they're interested in the discussion. The Australian government passed a law in the lower house of parliament on Wednesday mandating that Google, YouTube and Facebook share revenue from media content with news publishers.
Although Google accepted the law, Facebook refused to pay the publishers. After the law was passed, Facebook blocked the opportunity for Australian users to view and share news from local and international media outlets in order to avoid revenue sharing.
The incident provoked outrage from the Australian public and the top echelons of the government. Outraged Prime Minister Morrison called it arrogant and authoritarian. He also called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create international public opinion against global internet platforms. Human Rights Watch Australia and Amnesty International Australia have criticized Facebook for blocking users from viewing and sharing news in Australia.
Julian Knight, head of the British Parliamentary Committee, called Facebook's censorship a threat. Now is the right time to pull.
According to the Guardian, they are very concerned about this. A fair solution is urgent.
