Meta announced that Facebook news tab It will be removed for users in the US and Australia.That section is already Closed last year The company also launched in the UK, France, and Germany as it shifted its focus to providing content that people “want to see more of on the platform.”
The section has been offering news content since 2019 as a way to “bring people closer to the stories that impact their lives.” However, with the rise of TikTok, the company has shifted resources to short-form video content through its Reels feature.
“As a company, we must focus our time and resources on the things people have told us they want to see more of on our platform, such as short-form videos,” the company’s blog post said. Said. “The number of people using Facebook News in Australia and the US has fallen by more than 80% in the last year.”
The social networking giant said that despite retiring the feature, users will still be able to see links to news articles on Facebook, while news publishers will still have access to their Facebook accounts and pages. Drive people to your website. ”
This update does not affect Meta’s existing Facebook News agreements with publishers in Australia, France, and Germany. The company emphasized that similar news-related agreements “have already expired in the United States and United Kingdom,” as stated in a blog post.
Australia threatens action against meta over Facebook News
Amid this change, the Australian government threatened action against California-based social media company Meta after the company announced earlier this year that it would stop paying content royalties to local media companies.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was “very concerned” about the impact of Mr Mehta’s decision. The administration announced its determination to “consider all available options under the News Media Bargaining Code.”
In an interview with an Australian newspaper, Mr Albanese said: Said“We know that it’s vitally important that the media function properly and be properly funded. Journalism is important and the idea that investigations and research done by others should be available for free.” is completely unsupportable.”
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland wrote to He called it negligent.
This decision means the loss of an important source of income for Australian news media companies.
Australian news publishers should be fairly compensated for the content they provide. pic.twitter.com/lIdYZEndyU
— Michelle Rowland (@MRowlandMP) March 1, 2024
The Albanon Government is deeply disappointed by Meta’s decision to no longer pay for news content in many jurisdictions.
This reflects a lack of commitment to sustainability in Australian news media.
Our government supports Australian journalism. pic.twitter.com/oOKT9TOqxg
— Stephen Jones MP (@StephenJonesMP) March 1, 2024
“No one should doubt the Government’s determination to ensure the survival of the media industry in this country,” Jones added, according to the Guardian.
As a result, the ministers said The government is consulting with the Treasury Department and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for guidance on future measures, and a decision will be made soon.
Featured image: Canva
