In Response to Legislation, Meta to Limit News Availability
The Canadian government’s Online News Act, which was approved by the Senate on Thursday, will require internet giants like Meta to negotiate compensation deals with news publishers for posting or linking to their content. In response, Meta has announced that it will end access to news on Facebook and Instagram in Canada.
Legislation Aims to Compensate News Publishers
The Online News Act is aimed at compensating news publishers for the value they bring to internet giants through clicks, shares, and other online interactions. The legislation requires companies like Meta to negotiate compensation deals with news outlets, including broadcasters and independent journalists.
"We are confirming that news availability will be ended on Facebook and Instagram for all users in Canada prior to the Online News Act (Bill C-18) taking effect," a Meta spokesperson said in a blog post. "We have repeatedly shared that in order to comply with Bill C-18, content from news outlets, including news publishers and broadcasters, will no longer be available to people accessing our platforms in Canada."
Meta’s Position on the Matter
Meta has been vocal about its opposition to the legislation since it was first proposed in 2021. Last year, the company threatened to block the sharing of Canadian news content unless the government amended the legislation. In January this year, Meta began blocking news on Facebook and Instagram for some users in Canada.
The decision to end access to news on Facebook and Instagram in Canada is a response to the bill’s passage through the Senate. The governor general will now provide royal assent, which is a formality, before the law takes effect.
Canadian Heritage Minister Pushes Back
In response to Meta’s decision, Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez pushed back on social media. "Facebook knows very well that they have no obligations under the act right now," he tweeted. "Following Royal Assent of Bill #C18, the Government will engage in a regulatory and implementation process."
Google Also Opposes Legislation
Meta is not the only internet giant to express concerns about the legislation. Google has also launched tests that block access to news content for some users in Canada.
A spokesperson for Google told TechCrunch that the company is doing everything it can "to avoid an outcome that no-one wants." The company has proposed solutions that would have improved the Bill and cleared the path for increased investments in the Canadian news ecosystem. However, none of its concerns have been addressed, and Bill C-18 remains unworkable.
Similarities with Australia’s Law
Canada’s law is similar to one passed by Australia in 2021. Meta pulled news content from the country once the law passed but later brought it back after the Australian government amended the legislation to give the platform more time to negotiate with publishers.
Reactions and Next Steps
The decision by Meta to end access to news on Facebook and Instagram in Canada has sparked reactions from industry leaders and policymakers. The Canadian government will engage in a regulatory and implementation process following royal assent, while Google continues to seek a path forward.
The impact of the legislation on online news consumption in Canada remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the debate over who should compensate news publishers for their content has reached new heights.
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