The social media site Facebook blocked Australians from sharing news stories on Thursday. The company is fighting with the Australian government over whether big technology companies should have to pay news organizations for their information. Australia’s government condemned the move. It said Facebook also blocked some government communications, including messages about emergency services. Facebook acted after the Australian House of Representatives passed legislation that would make it and Google pay for Australian journalism, said Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. He said he was given no warning before Facebook acted. The legislation must be passed by the Senate to become law. Facebook fears that similar legislation will pass in other countries. Governments around the world are changing their laws to have some control over fast-changing technology.

What is Google?
alphabet soup
a course on how to use a smartphone
a company that specializes in Internet-related services and products
a travel company
What does the Australian government want from big technology companies?
a ban on social media
payment to news organizations for information
free Wi-Fi for its citizens
tutoring sessions for school children
Facebook blocked Australians from sharing news stories.
news stories
photos
memes
birthday greetings