Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has announced that it will block access to news articles on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, in Canada. This decision comes after a new media law was passed, which includes an ancillary copyright provision. According to a statement, the availability of news on both platforms will cease for all users in Canada before the law goes into effect. However, the changes will not affect Meta’s other products and services in the country, which will continue to connect people, support businesses, and contribute to the local community.
Meta has stated that news articles hold no economic value for the company, as the Facebook mother stated back in May. By blocking access to news reports, Meta is following through on a previously expressed threat during the legislative process. The recently passed Online News Act mandates that tech companies like Meta and Google pay publishers for sharing or using their content online. While the exact payment amount is still under negotiation, Meta has already decided to boycott the provision. Google is reportedly considering a similar move, but states that it aims to avoid an undesirable outcome.
The concerns raised during the legislative process regarding fair compensation for news distribution were not taken into account. This conflict over news content is not confined to Canada alone. In Australia, in early 2021, Facebook and Google also briefly blocked local news sites in a similar dispute. However, the situation in Australia led to a legally anchored compromise, with media outlets receiving around $190 million in compensation. The majority of these funds were allocated to established media and larger publishers.
The Canadian government views Meta’s threats to block news content as bullying tactics without consequences. According to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the government needs to stand up for Canadians against tech giants like Meta. Education Minister Pablo Rodriguez echoed these sentiments, asking who else can protect Canadians if the government fails to take a stand against these powerful corporations.
