Meta Blocks Canada’s Access to News Reports
Meta, the tech giant behind platforms like Facebook and Instagram, has recently stirred controversy by blocking Canadian users’ access to news posts on its platforms. This move comes in response to Canada’s Online News Act, which has implications for how digital platforms engage with news publishers and their content.
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Meta’s Decision to Block Access
On August 1, Meta announced its decision to block Canadian users from posting and accessing news on Facebook and Instagram. This decision was prompted by Canada’s Online News Act, which came into effect on July 22. This legislation requires digital platforms with strategic market dominance, like Meta and Google, to fairly compensate news publishers for the content available on their platforms.
The Context and Purpose of the Act
Australia’s Influence
Canada’s Online News Act draws inspiration from Australia’s News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code, passed in 2021. This code served as a blueprint for Canadian lawmakers and has also influenced similar legislations in Europe and other countries. These actions stem from concerns about the “asymmetric interdependence” between news publishers and large digital platforms like Google and Meta.
Addressing Power Imbalances
Over the years, a significant shift has occurred in the media landscape. Traditional news publishers faced declining revenue as readers and advertisers migrated online, leading to the closure of numerous newspapers. This shift left only a few large online news publishers in control of substantial portions of online advertising revenue and user attention. News publishers argue that platforms like Google and Meta extract a disproportionate share of advertisement revenue while placing the burden of content creation on publishers.
Leveling the Playing Field
To address these imbalances, Australian and Canadian laws aim to create a fair negotiation process between news publishers and tech giants. The legislation forces platforms to enter into compensation agreements with authorized news publishers in Canada, ensuring a more equitable distribution of revenue and influence.
A Global “Techlash”
These legislative attempts to support public interest journalism are part of a larger trend known as the “techlash.” Governments around the world are aiming to curb the immense power of tech giants across various domains, including markets, data, politics, and society.
Broader Global Impact
The influence of these laws extends beyond national borders. In India, for instance, organizations such as the Digital News Publishers Association are advocating for similar legislation. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in India has expressed the need for “fair share of revenue” for digital news platforms from big tech players, mirroring the concerns seen in Canada and Australia.
