What is happening in Australia?

Facing a proposed law to compel internet companies to pay news organisations, Google has announced deals with Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. and Seven West Media. No financial details were released. The Australian Broadcasting Corp. is in negotiations. Google accounts for 53 per cent percent of Australian online advertising revenue and Facebook 23 per cent, according to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Google had threatened to make its search engine unavailable in Australia in response to the legislation, which would create a panel to make pricing decisions on news. On Thursday, Facebook responded by blocking users from accessing and sharing Australian news. -