US sees Facebook dispute as a matter between companies and Australia -State Dept

WASHINGTON - The United States considers Australia's dispute with Facebook Inc a business negotiation between private companies and the Australian government, the US State Department said on Friday.

US ally Australia is locked in a pitched battle with Facebook. The US-based social media giant blocked news feeds and other pages - including those of charities, and health and emergency services - as part of a dispute over a proposed law that would require Facebook and Alphabet Inc's Google to pay news outlets whose links drive traffic to their platforms, or agree on a price through arbitration.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison vowed on Friday to press ahead with the law, saying he had received support from world leaders.

Asked at a news briefing whether that included support from the United States, State Department spokesman Ned Price told a regular news briefing, "This is a business negotiation between multiple private companies and the Australian government. Any questions on the status and implications of private business decisions should be directed towards those companies."

Reuters