News back on Facebook as commercial negotiations continue

Facebook pages for the major news organisations, including InQueensland, were restored this morning, less than a day after the news media bargaining code passed parliament.

The government agreed to change the code after the tech giant banned Australian users from accessing news.

Google struck deals worth millions of dollars with news organisations before the code comes into force.

Facebook on Friday announced it had signed letters of intent with smaller publishers Private Media, Schwartz Media and Solstice Media. Solstice Media is publisher of InQueensland which also has a content licensing agreement with Google Showcase.

Seven West Media has a similar arrangement, while Facebook is in negotiations with other outlets.

Under the code, the treasurer can designate platforms which would then be forced to pay for news content after arbitration.

Facebook last week pulled news in Australia before a tense stand-off with the government ended on Wednesday.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said he…

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