Facebook’s stupid algorithm thinks Workers BushTelegraph is a News site. We don’t have the resources to be that, however we can bring original stories that are not published elsewhere. FB has closed related accounts and will not permit individuals to post stories on Facebook pages. The blurb on FB reads:
In response to Australian government legislation, Facebook restricts the posting of news links and all posts from news Pages in Australia. Globally, the posting and sharing of news links from Australian publications is restricted.
Facebook provides no appeal from its decision. FB’s decision is random and frivolous or vexatious. We received these FB messages from other sites:
Strangely, Facebook has not blocked Cuban news sites! What a world! Long live WBT!
Strangely FB has not blocked The Paradigm Shift or 4ZZZ News. See https://pshift4zzz.wordpress.com/…/australia-us-alliance/
WBT has a legitimate reason for its posts being allowed on the basis that it is not a news site. For example Google says that “Workers BushTelegraph discusses current and past events, books, music, the arts & film with the aim of promoting worker political education and consciousness.”
For example Facebook has blocked Workers BushTelegraph from posting on the Byron Bay Echo fb page this story Refugee denied ‘Habeas Corpus’ . I asked The Echo, as an independent news outlet, to post the article on its site and on The Echo‘s facebook page. In response The Echo editor wrote to WBT saying:
We are also blocked from Facebook. See https://www.echo.net.au/2021/02/facebook-blocks-australian-news-sites/
Regards,
Aslan (18 Feb 2021
Byron bay Echo reply to my query about WBT being blocked on its FB site
Yes, The Echo is a news organisation, but WBT is not.
How stupid are the tech billionaires, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates fighting with Murdoch & the mainstream press over a bigger share of media advertising pie.
IT is one of the most exploitative industries in the world; workers, journos can barely survive under current conditions.
Refugee denied ‘Habeas Corpus’
FB claims falsely that this story comes from a News site. As Google states, Workers BushTelegraph (WBT) is for original articles, stories, music, art and books; we do not claim to be a news site or organisation, we do not have the resources to do that. We are supported by volunteers.
WBT is a publisher of last resort.
—————
Ian Curr
Workers BushTelegraph
E: iancurr@bigpond.com
M: 0407 687 016
Kangaroo Point Central Apartments where 110 Medivac refugees are arbitrarily detained by the Australian government
Long Pocket Brisbane Photo: Lachlan Hurse