FACEBOOK DECISION AN ATTACK ON OUR NATION

“Incredibly outrageous”, “wrong, unnecessary and heavy handed” are just some of the many descriptions for Facebook’s unilateral actions in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The social network giant’s changes to its algorithm in an attempt to punish Australian publishers represents an attack not just on the media but indeed on the very concept of reliable information in the age of fake news. Indeed, it is a victory for misinformation and reveals the tremendous, virtually unchecked power Facebook wields over the free press at a time when the community needs it most.

It is particularly galling that, in the middle of a devastating pandemic, Facebook’s algorithm wiped out not just news pages but those of critical and essential services such as Queensland Health and Trans Link.

It should raise concerns for all Australians that Facebook’s actions come just days before the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, leaving them less informed at a time when they need to get clear information.

The blocking of health sites is not the action of a platform having regard for the wellbeing of Australians or showing that it cares for our country.

Even Destination Gold Coast, our city’s tourism and marketing organisation, saw its page wiped just as it works to rebuild our biggest industry.

Understandably political leaders of all stripes and levels of government are deeply disturbed by these actions.

These actions demonstrate the importance of trusted news brands to deliver news and information to Australians. The decision of Facebook, if it continues this destructive path, will risk reducing diversity and limiting access to trusted news for many people.

Facebook has misread Australia and its citizens – as the past year has shown we are a people who respect and stick to its laws. We expect companies that operate in Australia to also do so.

The Gold Coast Bulletin has a long and proud tradition of delivering reliable news to readers and this will not change despite Facebook’s action. Since being founded in Southport by Patrick Joseph Macnamara on March 28, 1885, this masthead has faithfully served the people of this region.

This 136-year journey has told the incredible story of our city and the people who resided here and made it great. Now is the time for Gold Coasters to support local journalism and get behind trusted organisations to stay informed.

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