In response to a new law requiring digital giants to pay publishers for news content, Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has started blocking Canadians’ access to news on Facebook and Instagram. This move by Meta comes as more governments around the world attempt to make tech firms compensate news organizations for their content. Google, another critic of the Online News Act, is also considering a similar action.
According to Meta’s statement, news links and content posted by news publishers and broadcasters in Canada will no longer be visible to Canadians on the platform. Additionally, Canadian users will not be able to see news posted on foreign sites, and sharing articles on Facebook and Instagram will no longer be possible. These changes will be phased in over the next few weeks, according to Meta.
The Online News Act and its Objective
The Online News Act, which builds on similar legislation implemented in Australia, aims to support the struggling Canadian news sector. This sector has faced a decline in advertising revenue and the closure of numerous publications over the past decade. The legislation requires digital giants to enter into fair commercial agreements with Canadian outlets for the news and information shared on their platforms or face binding arbitration.
Meta believes that the Online News Act is flawed and argues that the bill is based on the mistaken assumption that it benefits unfairly from news content shared on its platforms. Meta asserts that news outlets share their content on Facebook and Instagram to attract readers, thereby enhancing their own financial performance. The company states that the majority of its platform users do not rely on it for news consumption.
Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge criticizes Meta’s decision to block news, describing it as “irresponsible.” She underscores the importance of a free and independent press in a democratic society. The Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC) accuses Meta of abusing its market power and calls for the restoration of Canadians’ access to news.
While some Canadian media outlets express disappointment with Meta’s actions, others offer a more nuanced perspective. The Globe and Mail newspaper, for example, suggests that the Online News Act “distorts the marketplace” and proposes tax credits for readers subscribing to online news services. According to the newspaper, this approach would incentivize newsrooms to innovate while giving readers a say in determining which news organizations receive financial support.
Australia’s New Media Bargaining Code, which came into effect in 2021, required Google and Meta to pay for news content on their platforms. Initially met with resistance, the legislation was eventually passed after amendments were made. Its implementation served as a precedent that influenced the introduction of similar legislation in other countries.
Meta’s decision to block Canadians’ access to news on Facebook and Instagram highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the obligation of tech giants to compensate news publishers. The implications of this move are significant, with differing opinions on the fairness and effectiveness of such legislation. As the global discussion continues, it remains to be seen how tech firms, governments, and news organizations will navigate this complex landscape.
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