The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Rebecca Sharer, media@aiusa.org

Facebook Blocks Australian News Sites From Being Shared on its Platform

Responding to Facebook blocking Australian news sites from being shared on its platform, Amnesty International Australia campaigner Tim O'Connor said:

"It is extremely concerning that a private company is willing to control access to information that people rely on.

"Facebook's action starkly demonstrates why allowing one company to exert such dominant power over our information ecosystem threatens human rights.

"It's alarming that community support groups, emergency services and charities have had their content blocked.

WASHINGTON

Responding to Facebook blocking Australian news sites from being shared on its platform, Amnesty International Australia campaigner Tim O'Connor said:

"It is extremely concerning that a private company is willing to control access to information that people rely on.

"Facebook's action starkly demonstrates why allowing one company to exert such dominant power over our information ecosystem threatens human rights.

"It's alarming that community support groups, emergency services and charities have had their content blocked.

"We're particularly concerned with the effect this is having on people in the Pacific, many of whom rely on getting information and news from Facebook due to the nature of their agreements with telecommunications providers.

"Facebook's willingness to block credible news sources also stands in sharp distinction to the company's poor track record in addressing the spread of hateful content and disinformation on the platform.

"Amnesty International USA calls on Facebook to immediately reverse this decision."

Amnesty International is a global movement of millions of people demanding human rights for all people - no matter who they are or where they are. We are the world's largest grassroots human rights organization.

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