Meta to restrict news access for Canadian users following online news bill.
Following the passage of a controversial online news bill, Meta has announced its intention to impose restrictions on news access for Canadian users on its platforms. The bill mandates that prominent platforms, including Meta and Google, compensate news publishers for the content posted on their sites. This move comes after both Meta and Google had already conducted trials limiting news access for select Canadian users.
The Australian experience serves as a precedent, where Facebook blocked users from sharing or viewing news in response to a similar law in 2021. In the case of Canada’s Online News Act, which recently cleared the senate, the legislation establishes rules that require platforms like Meta and Google to engage in commercial negotiations and remunerate news organizations for their content.
Meta has strongly criticized the legislation, labeling it as “fundamentally flawed” and disregarding the practical workings of their platforms. A spokesperson from Meta expressed concerns, stating, “A legislative framework that compels us to pay for links or content that we do not post, and which are not the reason the vast majority of people use our platforms, is neither sustainable nor workable.” Meta has confirmed that news availability will cease on Facebook and Instagram for all Canadian users, even before the bill comes into effect.
Google has echoed similar sentiments, calling the bill “unworkable” in its present form and expressing a desire to collaborate with the Canadian government to find a viable way forward.
The federal government of Canada argues that the online news bill is necessary to promote fairness in the digital news market and enable struggling news organizations to secure reasonable compensation for the news and links shared on these platforms. According to an analysis by an independent parliamentary budget watchdog, news businesses in Canada could potentially receive around C$329 million ($250 million; £196 million) annually from digital platforms.
Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez has expressed dissatisfaction with the trials conducted by the tech platforms, deeming them “unacceptable” and a “threat.” While talks between the government and the tech giants, Google and Facebook, have taken place, Rodriguez’s office has affirmed its commitment to implementing the bill.
Rodriguez emphasized the government’s responsibility to stand up for Canadians against tech giants, stating, “If the government can’t stand up for Canadians against tech giants, who will?”
Media industry groups have applauded the passage of the bill, viewing it as a step toward achieving market fairness. Paul Deegan, the president and CEO of News Media Canada, a media industry group, highlighted the significance of journalism and its cost, stating, “Real journalism, created by real journalists, continues to be demanded by Canadians and is vital to our democracy, but it costs real money.”
The Online News Act is expected to take effect in Canada within six months, bringing significant changes to the country’s digital news landscape
https://www.instagram.com/fortizo_technologies1/
https://www.facebook.com/fortizoverse/
- Nanotechnology Demystified – Cont’d
- Nanotechnology Demystified Cont’d
- Nanotech Demystified: nanomaterials
- Nanotechnology Demystified: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
- Nanotechnology Demystified: the future of health care
Fortizo Tech-hub 
Leave a comment