The cowardice of the Australian government & its Competition & Consumer Commission is worse than just a:
"...political climbdown to offer tax incentives to Meta to (pleeeease) return to paying publishers?"
1. A private citizen successfully petitioned the then-Attorney General (Michaelia Cash) to bring criminal charges against Meta (for money laundering). It was the first time Meta had faced criminal charges anywhere.
2. That private citizen won the case.
3. Because a private citizen couldn't follow through and sentence Meta, the case was handed over to the government. I can't bring myself to tell you what happened, so here's ChatGPT's account:
"In April 2024, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) discontinued the criminal case initiated by Dr. Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest against Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook) in the Western Australian District Court.
This case pertained to allegations that Meta had facilitated scam advertisements featuring prominent Australians without their consent
Subsequently, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) also chose not to proceed with its civil action against Meta concerning similar allegations.
The ACCC had previously accused Meta of failing to prevent the display of misleading cryptocurrency scam advertisements on Facebook, which falsely portrayed endorsements from well-known Australians, including Dr. Forrest".
The cowardice of the Australian government & its Competition & Consumer Commission is worse than just a:
"...political climbdown to offer tax incentives to Meta to (pleeeease) return to paying publishers?"
1. A private citizen successfully petitioned the then-Attorney General (Michaelia Cash) to bring criminal charges against Meta (for money laundering). It was the first time Meta had faced criminal charges anywhere.
2. That private citizen won the case.
3. Because a private citizen couldn't follow through and sentence Meta, the case was handed over to the government. I can't bring myself to tell you what happened, so here's ChatGPT's account:
"In April 2024, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) discontinued the criminal case initiated by Dr. Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest against Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook) in the Western Australian District Court.
This case pertained to allegations that Meta had facilitated scam advertisements featuring prominent Australians without their consent
Subsequently, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) also chose not to proceed with its civil action against Meta concerning similar allegations.
The ACCC had previously accused Meta of failing to prevent the display of misleading cryptocurrency scam advertisements on Facebook, which falsely portrayed endorsements from well-known Australians, including Dr. Forrest".
Roar.
Just saw this, Ricky, sorry.
I’ll ask.
(I’m due to catch up with his general counsel).
Yes. I remember. Would Twiggy talk to me d'ya reckon?