Facebook and Instagram’s News Access Policy in Canada
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced its decision to limit access to news content on its platforms for Canadian users. This move comes after the passage of a controversial online news bill by the Canadian parliament.
The bill mandates that large platforms, including Meta and Google, must compensate news publishers for the content shared on their sites. Both Meta and Google had previously conducted tests restricting news access for some Canadian users.
In 2021, Facebook had blocked Australian users from sharing or viewing news content in response to a similar law in Australia.
Canada’s Online News Act, which was approved by the senate on Thursday, introduces regulations requiring platforms like Meta and Google to negotiate commercial agreements and financially compensate news organizations for their content.
Meta has criticized the legislation, referring to it as “fundamentally flawed” and asserting that it disregards the operational realities of their platforms. The company has stated that news availability will be terminated on Facebook and Instagram for all Canadian users prior to the bill’s implementation.
According to a Meta spokesperson, the legislation compels them to pay for links or content that they do not post and are not central to the majority of users’ engagement with their platforms. They argue that this approach is unsustainable and impractical.
Meta has clarified that these changes to news access will not impact other services offered to Canadian users.
Similarly, Google has expressed concerns about the bill, calling it “unworkable” in its current form. The company has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the government to find a mutually agreeable path forward.
The Canadian government asserts that the online news bill is necessary to promote fairness in the digital news market and enable struggling news organizations to receive fair compensation for the news and links shared on these platforms.
An independent analysis conducted by a parliamentary budget watchdog estimated that news businesses could potentially receive approximately C$329 million ($250 million; £196 million) annually from digital platforms under this legislation.
Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez has criticized the tests conducted by tech platforms as “unacceptable” and a “threat.” He has had meetings with representatives from Google and Facebook this week and plans to engage in further discussions. Rodriguez’s office stated that the government will proceed with implementing the bill while advocating for the interests of Canadians against tech giants.
Media industry groups have applauded the passage of the bill, considering it a significant step towards achieving market fairness. Paul Deegan, president and CEO of News Media Canada, a media industry group, emphasized the importance of real journalism and its role in democracy, noting that it requires substantial financial support.
The Online News Act is expected to come into effect in Canada within six months.
