Facebook and Instagram might eliminate news content within Canada, according to Meta
-
Loading... - Turner Booth
- 26 May 2023
- 71 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
In a recent development, Meta, the parent company of popular social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, is contemplating the removal of news articles and related content specifically in Canada.
The reason behind this potential action is the country's proposed legislation known as the Online News Act (C-18). This act aims to require social media platforms to compensate news publishers for featuring their content.
Expressing his concerns, Nick Clegg, the President of Global Affairs at Meta, referred to the Online News Act as "flawed." He stated, "Regrettably, if this flawed legislation is enacted, we will be compelled to cease the availability of news content on Facebook and Instagram in Canada."
Clegg further emphasized that the legislation in question would make Canada the first democratic nation to assign a monetary value to free web page links. Such an approach contradicts established global copyright principles and endangers the unrestricted flow of information online.
Initially scheduled to discuss the bill at a committee of Canada's House of Commons, Clegg decided to cancel his appearance after the hearing's title was changed to 'Tech Giants' Current and Ongoing Use of Intimidation and Subversion Tactics to Evade Regulation in Canada and Across the World.'
According to a Bloomberg report, the C-18 bill aims to establish a system for equitable revenue sharing between digital platforms and news organizations. It would also enable media outlets to collectively negotiate fees with companies like Meta.
Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez introduced this legislation to address the "market imbalance" resulting from the increasing number of Canadians relying on digital platforms for news consumption.
This instance is not the first time Meta has voiced its intention to remove content from its platform.
