U.S. sees Facebook dispute as a matter between companies and Australia -State Dept
[1/2] A 3D-printed Facebook logo is seen placed on a keyboard in this illustration taken March 25, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - The United States considers Australia’s dispute with Facebook Inc (FB.O) a business negotiation between private companies and the Australian government, the U.S. State Department said on Friday.
U.S. ally Australia is locked in a pitched battle with Facebook. The U.S.-based social media giant blocked news feeds and other pages - including those of charities, and health and emergency services - as part of a dispute over a proposed law that would require Facebook and Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) Google to pay news outlets whose links drive traffic to their platforms, or agree on a price through arbitration.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison vowed on Friday to press ahead with the law, saying he had received support from world leaders. read more
Asked at a news briefing whether that included support from the United States, State Department spokesman Ned Price told a regular news briefing, "This is a business negotiation between multiple private companies and the Australian government. Any questions on the status and implications of private business decisions should be directed towards those companies."
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