Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has taken a stand against a new Canadian law. News is being blocked in Canada due to the Online News Act, also known as Bill C-18, passed by the Canadian parliament in June 2022.
The company claims the law is unfair and would make them pay for unused news. Meta argues it stifles innovation and hinders news accessibility.
The Canadian government defends the law, ensuring fair compensation for news publishers and job creation.
This block on news escalates Meta’s fight against the Online News Act. The impact on Canadian users is uncertain.
Tensions between tech giants and governments worldwide are evident. Regulation and payment for news content pressure tech giants.
Here are some of the reactions to Meta’s decision to block news in Canada:
- Canadian government: “The government of Canada is deeply disappointed that Meta has chosen to block news from its platform in Canada. This is an irresponsible decision that will hurt the ability of Canadians to access news on the platform they use every day.”
- Canadian news publishers: “We are disappointed that Meta has chosen to block news from its platform in Canada. This is a clear attack on the free press and will have a negative impact on the ability of Canadians to access news.”
- Public interest groups: “We are concerned about Meta’s decision to block news from its platform in Canada. This is a clear attempt to stifle competition and protect its own interests at the expense of Canadian news publishers and consumers.”
