Facebook versus News: Advertising is the real problem
Last night, the News Media Bargaining Code passed through the senate. In this crossposting from The Conversation, John Quiggin, explores why advertising is the real issue.
The fight between Facebook and the Morrison government is over almost before it began. Having drastically overplayed its hand by banning a vast range of content, Facebook has been forced to settle for what appear to be cosmetic concessions, such as a two-month period of mediation before disputes are subject to compulsory arbitration.
Its apparent decision to capitulate was doubtless assisted by the uniformly hostile international reaction to its bullying tactics.
The debate in Australia has been much less one-sided. Many commentators view it simply as a dispute between Facebook and News Limited, and take the view that News owner Rupert Murdoch is a greater threat to global democracy than Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg.
