Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has announced that it will block access to news articles on Facebook and Instagram in Canada. This decision comes after Canada passed the Online News Act, a new law that requires internet companies to pay news publishers for their content. Meta had initially protested against the law but ultimately decided to comply by blocking news content.
It remains uncertain if Meta will reconsider allowing news in the future. This move follows a similar situation in Australia in 2021, where Meta initially blocked news stories before reaching agreements with publishers. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission will intervene if publishers and platforms fail to reach an agreement.
Key Takeaways:
- Meta will block news articles on Facebook and Instagram in Canada due to the new Online News Act.
- The law requires internet companies to pay news publishers for their content.
- Meta had initially protested against the law but will comply by blocking news content.
- The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission will intervene if agreements between publishers and platforms cannot be reached.
In addition to Canada, similar legislation may be coming to California. A bill called the California Journalism Competition and Preservation Act is making its way through the state assembly and awaits a Senate vote. If passed, it would require tech platforms like Meta to negotiate compensatory deals with news publishers.
Meta has already stated that it would block news on Facebook in California if the bill becomes law. This indicates a growing trend of governments seeking to regulate the relationship between tech platforms and news publishers.
Members of parliament have emphasized that the law is crucial for providing revenue to the press, especially at a time when many news outlets are struggling. They argue that advertising dollars have largely shifted to platforms like Meta and Google, leaving the press behind. The new law aims to address this imbalance by requiring platforms to negotiate compensation deals with news publishers.
However, the effectiveness of the law will depend on the ability of publishers and platforms to reach agreements, with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission stepping in if necessary.
Overall, the article highlights Meta’s decision to block news articles on Facebook and Instagram in Canada following the passage of the Online News Act. It also mentions the potential for similar legislation in California and the impact of the law on the Canadian media landscape.
The key takeaway is that governments are increasingly seeking to regulate the relationship between tech platforms and news publishers, with the aim of providing fair compensation for news content.
H/T Forbes
Paul Dughi.com 