Facebook to reverse news ban on Australian sites, government to make amendments to media bargaining code

Facebook will walk back its block on Australian news sites, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Communications Minister Paul Fletcher have said, after a backlash to its response to proposed media bargaining laws that would force major tech giants to pay news outlets for their content.

“The government has been advised by Facebook that it intends to restore Australian news pages in the coming days,” a statement from the ministers said.

In the statement, Mr Frydenberg and Mr Fletcher said the government would make further amendments to the news media bargaining code.

Facebook said in a statement that it was “pleased” the company was able to reach an agreement with the government.

More to come.