On Q+A last night, we witnessed a captivating discussion about the huge decision by Facebook to switch off news services on its platform in Australia in response to the introduction into parliament of the Federal government’s news media bargaining code.

Who could have imagined waking up one morning to find that Facebook had pulled the plug on not just news services, but some Emergency services, state Health departments, community groups and charities too? 

It is worth remembering that this was all entirely in line with what Facebook warned at least as far back as August last year. In an open letter, MD for Facebook Australia & NZ, Will Easton said the code “misunderstands the dynamics of the internet” and will damage the news organisations it’s trying to protect. He said at the time Facebook will “reluctantly stop” any sharing of news on its Australian platforms. Facebook had long made the case also that the federal government’s definition of news was too broad for them to implement.

Lots of you wrote to us with your views and questions on this for last night’s Q+A. Some of you believe it is a long overdue decision by Australia to stand-up to the Big Tech companies, while others have expressed dismay that the federal government would force an issue during a pandemic, when access to reliable, trusted information is so vital.

Regardless of where you stand on this issue, don’t underestimate the importance of what has just happened. One senior tech industry insider described the developments this week to me as “tectonic”.

If you missed the Q+A debate on this you can watch it here.

It is particularly worth looking out for the exchanges between former NineMSN boss Hal Crawford and the Communications Minister Paul Fletcher on the purpose and functionality of the ‘news bargaining code’.

Lydia Khalil from the Lowy institute has also been researching the links between technology and the rise of right-wing extremism in the US and shared many of her insights.

Given what has unfolded this week you might be finding it harder than usual to access the information you need on social media. So, here’s your friendly reminder that when access to trusted news matters to you, it matters to us – ABC NEWS is here to keep you up to date with the latest news and information:

o    Download the ABC NEWS App
o    Visit news.abc.net.au
o    Join the discussion each Thursday night at 8.30pm with Q+A




Hamish Macdonald