Why Instagram And Facebook Is Going To Block News In Canada?

Last Updated on June 27, 2023 by Fatima Sajid

Following the passing of a new bill in Canada, Facebook and Instagram users in the country will no longer have access to Canadian news content. Instagram And Facebook Is Going To Block News In Canada the legislation mandates that digital giants must establish fair commercial agreements with Canadian news outlets for the content shared on their platforms or face binding arbitration. This law is modeled after Australia’s New Media Bargaining Code, which aimed to make Google and Meta (formerly Facebook) pay for news content as well.

Instagram And Facebook Is Going To Block News In Canada

Similar to Australia’s concerns, Canada accuses these tech companies, which dominate online advertising, of profiting from free use of news content while undermining traditional news organizations. Google, also critical of the Online News Act, has indicated that it is contemplating a similar response. Both tech giants have opposed the bill, which aims to support the struggling Canadian news sector that has witnessed the closure of numerous publications over the past decade.

“The changes affecting news content will not otherwise impact Meta’s products and services in Canada,”

Despite expressing regret over Meta’s decision to block news content, Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez tweeted his excitement upon the bill’s passage in the Senate, Instagram And Facebook Is Going To Block News In Canada highlighting the government’s commitment to defending Canadians against tech giants. Meetings between officials and Facebook and Google have taken place, with further discussions expected regarding the new legislation.

“So far, none of our concerns have been addressed.”

Meta, in confirming the news block, asserted that it will not affect its other products and services in Canada. Google, on the other hand, expressed its determination to avoid an undesirable outcome and expressed a willingness to collaborate with the government. The company has proposed amendments to the bill, but its concerns remain unaddressed thus far “flawed [and] dangerous to our democracy, to our economy”.

Opponents of the bill argue that it poses risks and flaws, asserting its potential danger to democracy and the economy. In February, Google temporarily limited news access for Canadian users of its search engine.Instagram And Facebook Is Going To Block News In Canada The decision by Meta and Google to restrict news content availability in response to the bill is expected to have significant implications for the digital landscape in Canada.