Meta Blocks News Access in Canada Over New Law
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has begun blocking news access in Canada in response to a new law that requires tech companies to pay news publishers for using their content.
The Online News Act, which was passed by the Canadian parliament in June, requires platforms like Google and Meta to negotiate commercial deals with Canadian news publishers for their content.
Meta had previously said that it would block news access in Canada if the law went into effect.
As of August 1, 2023, Canadian users of Facebook and Instagram can no longer see news articles posted on the platforms.
They also cannot share news articles on Facebook or Instagram.
Meta said in a blog post that the Online News Act “misrepresents the value news outlets receive when choosing to use our platforms.”
The company argued that news outlets “voluntarily” share content on Facebook and Instagram to expand their audiences.
The Canadian government has defended the Online News Act, saying that it is a fair way to compensate news publishers for the value of their content.
The government has also said that the law will not prevent Canadians from accessing news.
Canadians who want to access news on Facebook and Instagram can still do so by visiting news publishers’ websites directly or by subscribing to their news apps.
The blocking of news access in Canada is the latest salvo in a global battle between tech giants and news publishers.
In recent years, news publishers have argued that tech companies like Google and Meta have profited from their content without giving them fair compensation.
Tech companies have argued that they provide valuable services to news publishers, such as driving traffic to their websites.
Previously, Meta has done this in Australia as well. In 2021, Meta blocked news access in Australia after the country passed a similar law.
However, Meta eventually reached a deal with Australian news publishers, and news access was restored.
It is unclear whether Meta will be willing to reach a similar deal with Canadian news publishers.
The blocking of news access in Canada and Australia is a sign of the growing tension between tech giants and news publishers.
The blocking of news access in Canada is likely to be a test case for other countries that are considering similar legislation.
It remains to be seen whether the Canadian government will be able to force Meta to negotiate a deal with news publishers.
