TRANSCRIPT
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labels social media company Meta 'arrogant'
- The polls close in Iran as residents cast their vote for a new president
- Emerging star Harley Reid prepares to make a comeback in the West Coast Eagles clash with Hawthorn
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hit back at social media company Meta after it suggested it would consider blocking all news content from its platform in Australia.
A company representative of Facebook owner Meta has told a parliamentary hearing its considering blocking news content if the government makes it pay licensing fees.
Meta says its waiting for Canberra to decide if it would apply an untested 2021 law which gives the government the right to set the fees US tech giants pay media outlets for links.
The comments are the strongest indication so far Meta would take the same hard-line approach in Australia it took in Canada in 2023 when that country introduced similar laws.
But Mr Albanese says Meta needs to acknowledge it has a social responsibility to its customers.
"Meta are showing how out of touch they are and how arrogant they are. Every parent knows that social media can have a damaging impact on the mental health of young people, on social exclusion, on the bullying that can occur online on grooming, that can occur in a dangerous way online as well."
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Iranians have voted for a new president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month.
The election comes at a time of growing public frustration reflected in low turnouts, regional tensions over the war in Gaza, and increased western pressure over Iran's nuclear program.
The clerical establishment needed a high turnout to offset a legitimacy crisis fuelled by public discontent over economic hardship and curbs on political and social freedom.
The Interior Ministry says initial results can be expected within the next 24 hours.
This resident has stressed the importance of voting prior to the polls closing.
"Unfortunately some people think that the president has been already selected. But we must vote, if I don't vote someone else would vote and the candidate who is not the best might be elected, unfortunately. That would harm the Iranian nation."
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Americans have reacted to the first debate between United States President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
It's the first time in history a sitting U-S president is facing a former president in a debate and it is the first of two televised face-offs scheduled before the November 5th presidential election.
President Joe Biden has been criticised over his fitness for another term, but says his experience, integrity, and ability to get things done will win him another term in office.
Mark Schoen is a Biden supporter, who says he's now frightened for the future.
"It was tragic. I had high hopes that Biden would make a good showing, and I support Biden. And now I don't know what to think. I mean, I don't know if he's suitable to be running. And I know Donald Trump isn't suitable to be running. So I feel this country is in a real tragic state."
Mr Biden's campaign says there are no conversations about him stepping aside from his re-election bid and he plans to participate in the September debate.
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A First Nations father and son hip hop duo from Western Australia have appeared on one of the world’s biggest talent shows.
Flewnt and Inkabee’s pacey performance on America’s Got Talent got the crowd dancing, and impressed the judges.
The Noongar Wongi duo is well known on the Australian rap scene for their music and activism but it was their first appearance on the international stage.
11-year-old, Inkabee, was just seven when he wrote his first rap song with his performance caught the attention of the judges.
The pair received a standing ovation and a yes vote from all four judges which will see them through to the next round and the chance to win a million dollars.
Judge Simon Cowell has praised the artists.
"I think we have just seen what I call a moment. The way you performed together was mesmerising and I think you will be the face of so many things because you are so cool."
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And in AFL, emerging star Harley Reid is preparing to make his return in West Coast's AFL clash with Hawthorn in Perth.
Reid hasn't played since facing a two-match ban for a dangerous tackle during West Coast's 14-point loss to St Kilda on June 1.
Given the Eagles had a bye during that period, it means Reid will have been out of action for 28 days by the time he lines up against Hawthorn at Optus Stadium.
