Facebook will remove news from platforms if the US Congress approves legislation.
The legislation makes it easier for media companies to negotiate with internet giants on the terms under which news content can be distributed online.
BENGALURU, India (Reuters) - Meta Platforms announced on Monday that it will be forced to remove news from its platforms if the United States Congress approves legislation to preserve competition in journalism. The company argues that TV networks benefit from the publication of their content on the company's social media networks.
The legislation makes it easier for media companies to collectively negotiate with internet giants like Meta and Google on the terms under which news content can be distributed online.
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone stated that the bill fails to recognize that broadcasters and news companies place content on platforms because "it benefits their bottom line."
Similar legislation passed in Australia, which came into effect in March of last year, led to a brief interruption in the display of news on Facebook in the country. According to the Australian government, the law largely worked.
Since the Australian legislation came into effect, several internet companies, including Meta and Google, have signed more than 30 agreements with media companies, compensating the companies for content that generated clicks and advertising revenue, according to government information.
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