"Under these agreements, there will now be a range of premium journalism content, including previously paid-for content, available on Facebook," it added. The Australian parliament had passed a law on Thursday requiring online platforms to share their news-generated advertising revenue with media companies. Facebook had resisted the law (Werbewoche.ch reported).

Australia is the first nation to pass a law of this kind. Around the globe, however, governments have been looking for ways to curb the influence of the U.S. technology giants for years. Several countries have now declared their intention to take steps along the lines of Australia's example. (SDA)