Morning mail: Facebook fallout, vaccine hesitancy, Ted Cruz's Mexican escape

Friday: Tech giant's reputation takes a hit as criticism grows of its Australian news blackout. Plus: all you need to know about renting or buying an e-bike

Good morning, dear readers. Imogen Dewey here with your morning news via email (an especially great way to get your news these days, I hear). It's Friday 19 February, and a good time to catch up on the impact of Facebook's news blackout, the vaccine rollout, and the Brittany Higgins allegations still rocking parliament.

Even for a company that specialises in PR disasters, Facebook has excelled with its Australian blackout," writes Emily Bell. Fallout continues from the news blackout we woke to yesterday (and here's how that might be affecting you). The prime minister attacked Facebook (on Facebook) for its arrogant" decision to unfriend Australia", saying the social media giant's move will harden the resolve of his government to hold it accountable. The shadow communications minister, Michelle Rowland, said it may be the beginning of the end" for the platform. And a UK media boss has said the fiasco shows why countries need robust regulation to stop tech firms behaving like a schoolyard bully".