In a surprising move, social media giant Meta has announced the cessation of payments for Australian news content, nullifying deals worth approximately $70 million.

Curtin University Internet Studies and Social Media Expert Professor Tama Leaver joined Oliver Peterson on Perth Live to discuss the impact that Meta’s decision will have on Australian news.

“I think there will be a lot of reaction to this, it is fair to say that this won’t be well received. But it will be interesting to see what can be done and whether the government has the teeth to really use the news media bargaining code in the fullest sense,” Professor Leaver said.

“I think they’re [Meta] going to wait to see if the government will force their hand or not. Facebook has very clearly said they don’t intend to block news and that news organisations are still most welcome to continue using Facebook, Instagram and their other platforms.”

Press PLAY to hear the full impact from Meta’s decision

Image: 9 News