WTAF Facebook?

If you think 2020 was crazy, try this on for size. Australians awoke this morning to news that we are no longer allowed to share news on Facebook. It's insane. I'm a journalist and a large number of readers for the company I work for come to our Facebook page for news. Many even used it as their go-to during bushfires in March last year. The ban not only includes home-grown news, it means we can't post links to international news either.

What it comes down to is money. Facebook doesn't want to be forced to pay for content that is posted on its platform.

The ramifications are pretty huge. Number one reputable news sites can no longer share important information with their communities via Facebook - instead having to turn to Twitter and directing people to regularly visit their websites, number two as an author if I am interviewed about my book I can't share that link and number three - if you're reading this it's probably because you're another Vocal Media member. Why? Facebook is where I have the highest number of friends and where I've proudly been sharing my stories from here. I've never really gotten on the whole Twitter bandwagon, but I guess I'll have to change that.

The reason for the ban? Facebook didn't like a proposed government media bargaining code.

The social media giant claims it has been left with no choice.

"The proposed law fundamentally misunderstands the relationship between our platform and publishers who use it to share news content," the company said in a statement on Thursday.

"It has left us facing a stark choice: attempt to comply with a law that ignores the realities of this relationship or stop allowing news content on our services in Australia.

"With a heavy heart, we are choosing the latter."

To say that us Aussies are shook is a MASSIVE understatement.

I feel like we have been censored like some sort of naughty country.

We've been booted like Trump and we haven't even once screamed the term 'fake news'.

And if you think it won't happen to you, picture Trump's face when he found out his account had been deleted. If Facebook can boot him and prevent a whole country from posting links to certain content, your country may be next.

Some people took to other social media platforms claiming it was no big deal. Get the app, use Twitter etc. Well the fact is, Facebook has actively encouraged news companies and other organisations to use their platform to communicate. We've dutifully built up followers on our pages, all the while exposing our readers to Facebook ads that benefit the multi-billion-dollar company. And now, because they don't want to pay for content - and in effect support the dissemination of news from reputable sources - Australians will be left in the dark.

I use Facebook for work, to promote my books, to find like-minded souls and - most importantly - to keep in touch with family and friends during these crazy times we're living in.

I've become accustomed to this way of life and now it's been ripped out from under me and every other Aussie.

So if you wonder why there is a lack of news coming out of Australia, here's your answer.

We've been banned, effectively put on Zuckerberg's shit list and we're not happy!

We've helped you build your empire for so long.

Please help us to fight this bully and have our rights to share news - both Aussie news and international news - restored.

It's 2021 for god's sake!