Australian treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Picture: GETTY IMAGES/SAM MOOY
The amended legislation is expected to pass the Australian Senate this week, despite opposition from some minor opposition parties and independent politicians who argue it disadvantages smaller news companies. With Australia’s reforms serving as a model for other nations to adopt, Facebook was also keen to claim a win.
The original legislation required Facebook and Alphabet’s Google to submit to arbitration if they could not reach a commercial deal with Australian news companies for their content, effectively allowing the government to set a price. “This changes the bill significantly,” independent senator Rex Patrick, who plans to vote against the amended bill, said. “The big players could successfully negotiate with Facebook or Google. The minister then doesn’t designate them, and all the little players miss out.”
More like a nightmare as two psychos combine forces - Murdoch and Zuck. Yikes, its a shitshow.