Fears Facebook tactics may be aimed at defeating Australia's legislation on mandatory bargaining code are being expressed in media reports.

Miranda Ward of Nine's Australian Financial Review said publishers believe the social giant is delaying signing deals with them, "as both a tactic to avoid multiple deals and to avoid being designated under the government's code".

While Facebook has signed letters of intent with Seven West Media and "several smaller news publishers", there are no signs of progress with News Corp, Nine or the ABC.

Two weeks ago ahead of the legislation being passed, Facebook banned all news content from its Australian platform leading to last minute changes to the code by the federal government.

Today, Guardian Australia's Amanda Meade reported "sources close to the negotiations" that Facebook "is either freezing out the media companies or is refusing to make concessions on key clauses".

As a result there are fears that Facebook may ban Australian news content again.

Ward said publishers fear Facebook will use the amendment regarding commercial deals to legally challenge any attempt by the government to have it designated under the code.