Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said Facebook is returning to negotiations with the government after the technology platform decided to restrict users in Australia from sharing news content.
“What I like is that Facebook is back on the table. And that’s what we want to see, “Morrison told a news conference Saturday morning. “We want to solve this problem. So I welcome the fact that they have re-engaged with the government, as they should. ”
The company “befriended us again,” he said.
The comments mark the latest evolution in a back-and-forth between Sydney and Facebook on a proposed law that would make the platform pay publishers for content.
Facebook announced this week that it will reduce the ability of Australian publishers to share or post content on its pages and will limit Australian users from viewing or sharing links and posts from international publishers.
Morrison came out against the proposal, urging Facebook to reverse its decision.
“The idea of shutting down the types of sites they did yesterday as a kind of threat – well, I know how Australians react to that, and I thought it wasn’t a good move on their part,” Morrison said. Friday.
“The actions were completely indefensible,” he added on Saturday.
The implications of the law on Australia’s relationship with major technology platforms are drawing attention from lawmakers in other countries proposing regulatory action.
While Facebook has taken a stern stand against the law, Google has entered into agreements with News Corp and Australian headquarters Seven West Media for content.