Australia's Treasurer Says Facebook Wrong to Block Government News

   By Stuart Condie

SYDNEY--Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Facebook Inc. was wrong to block government news as part of the social media giant's decision to stop Australians from viewing and sharing news on its platform.

Mr. Frydenberg said Facebook had expressed concern about the federal government's proposed legislation to force social media companies pay local media providers for content, but had not warned the government that it would block official news.

"Facebook was wrong. Facebook's actions were unnecessary, they were heavy handed, and they will damage its reputation here in Australia," Mr. Frydenberg told a media conference.

"Their decision to block Australians' access to government sites--be they about support through the pandemic, mental health, emergency services, the Bureau of Meteorology--were completely unrelated to the media code."

Mr. Frydenberg said discussions with Facebook had previously been constructive.

Write to Stuart Condie at stuart.condie@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 17, 2021 21:09 ET (02:09 GMT)

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