Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has implemented a temporary test in which it is blocking certain Canadian users from accessing news content on its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
This move is in response to a proposed bill called the Online News Act (Bill C-18) currently being considered in the Senate.
The bill aims to make tech giants pay publishers for using their content online. Meta’s test is expected to last until the end of June, and if the bill is passed, the company is prepared to block news content for Canadians permanently.
The block will impact a small percentage, ranging from one to 5%, of its 24 million Canadian users, said Rachel Curran, head of public policy for Meta Canada. Also, the affected users will be randomly selected.
During the test, users will not be able to view or share news links, reels, or stories on Facebook or Instagram. Even international news companies like the New York Times and BBC could have their content blocked if they are randomly chosen.
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How the bill will affect Canadians
If the Online News Act (Bill C-18) is passed in Canada, it will have implications for both Canadians and the tech giants operating in the country.
The bill aims to make tech giants like Meta (formerly Facebook) and Google pay publishers for linking to or using their content online. If the bill passes, these companies may respond by limiting or blocking access to news content on their platforms.
During Meta’s temporary test, a small percentage of Canadian users have already experienced a block on news content on Facebook and Instagram. If the bill becomes law, this block could potentially become permanent for Canadian users.
The block or limited access to news content on social media platforms could impact how Canadians consume information. Social media has become a significant source of news for many people, and if news links, articles, and videos are blocked or limited, users may need to seek alternative sources for their news consumption.
If the bill passes and the tech giants apply the payment requirements to international news publishers, there is a possibility that international news content, such as that from the New York Times or BBC, could be blocked or limited for Canadian users. This would impact Canadians’ access to a diverse range of news sources.
The bill intends to enhance fairness in the digital news marketplace by requiring tech giants to pay publishers for using their content. This could potentially result in increased revenue for publishers, especially smaller, traditional players who have been overshadowed by tech giants in the advertising industry. The hope is that this compensation will help support struggling newsrooms and ensure the sustainability of journalism in Canada.
The bill could significantly impact the business models of tech giants like Meta and Google. They may have to negotiate payment agreements with publishers or face penalties for non-compliance. These companies have been accused of disrupting the advertising industry and dominating the online news ecosystem, and the bill aims to address this power dynamic.
Meta has taken similar action in the past
Meta has previously taken similar actions, such as briefly blocking news in Australia in 2021, but later reached agreements with Australian publishers.
The Canadian Heritage Minister, Pablo Rodriguez, criticized Meta’s move and assured Canadians that they would not be intimidated.
The bill has garnered support from legacy media and broadcasters who believe it will bring more fairness to the digital news marketplace and help support struggling newsrooms, while tech giants like Meta and Google have been accused of disrupting the industry and overshadowing traditional players.