Sky News host Sharri Markson says in the middle of a pandemic it is “inexcusable” for Facebook to block real news.

“Inexcusable for it be so socially irresponsible as to censor, delete, authentic credible real journalism, real information, while allowing misinformation and disinformation, and lies and conspiracy theories to spread,” Ms Markson said.

Facebook decided to ban Australian news content following escalating hostilities over the Australian government’s media bargaining code, which sought to force tech giants to pay Australian media outlets for using news content.

“Facebook’s censorship of the news has been compared this week by politicians, to China and North Korea,” Ms Markson said.

“And those comparisons are correct”.

“Facebook’s conduct is directly on par with authoritarian dictators.

“People don’t necessarily go to Facebook to read the news but that’s how many people get their news.

“And taking news off this platform, while allowing disinformation to spread, is extremely dangerous.”