Let’s talk about what’s going on in Australia. The Australian government is moving to require tech companies to pay Australian news agencies for using their content. The bill is expected to pass the Senate after passing in the house, and in reaction, Google has cut a deal with News Corp to comply.
Facebook, however, is refusing to play ball, and is blocking Australian users and publishers from sharing news links.
A by product of this – many Australian government agencies are being blocked as well.
Why do we care?
There’s a bit of regulation gone awry here. You start by trying to rebalance the relationship. It spins out in an escalation, leading to this game of chicken.
That said, it doesn’t mean it’s not being watched in the US too… with lawmakers here making noises they may do something similar.
When I talk about technologists being involved in drafting legislation… this is some of why.
Source: ABC.NET.AU
Source: Axios
