Australian Publisher Asks Regulator To Enforce New Facebook Law

On Monday an Australian publisher is calling for the government to enforce a new law to compel Facebook to negotiate a content deal, prompting the architect of the rule to say he was “concerned” about the social media giant’s behavior.

The petition by academic publisher The Conversation was emailed to its readers at the weekend. According to Reuters it reflects a groundswell of disquiet among smaller Australian outlets who have not reached deals with Facebook, as mandated by the new law.

Facebook and Google have been required since March to negotiate with Australian outlets for content that drives traffic, and advertising, to their websites. If they don’t, the government may take over the negotiation.

Related: Google & Facebook To Pay For Media Content Under New Australian Law

Most large media companies like News Corp and the Australian Broadcasting Corp have struck deals with both companies, but some independent outlets like The Conversation – as first reported by Reuters – say they have been unfairly spurned.

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