Meta has started blocking news for some Canadians on its Facebook and Instagram platforms in response to a Liberal government bill that is currently being studied in the Senate.
Chris Dell, news editor of ChrisD.ca, a Winnipeg-based digital news outfit, said some readers informed him Monday that they are no longer able to access content the outlet had posted on Facebook.
"As a small local news outlet, the majority of our traffic comes from Facebook and Google. My hope is that an amicable agreement can be reached between Silicon Valley and Ottawa that doesn't leave publishers caught in the middle," Dell said. Meta said news outlets that are part of the test have been chosen randomly, and the definition of news content mirrors that laid out the proposed online news legislation, known as Bill C-18.
"Meta has just exponentially increased opportunities for bad actors, including hostile foreign governments, to sow the seeds of misinformation and disinformation, which will ultimately undo the platform, erode its own shareholder value and undermine social cohesion," Deegan said in a statement Tuesday.
Canadian Association of Broadcasters President Kevin Desjardins said local news organizations need the bill to ensure they are compensated fairly for the use of their content at a time when foreign digital platforms have cornered the market.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Local outlets, Quebec publishers first targets of Meta’s block on Canadian newsMeta is running a test for the majority of the month that will temporarily block news content for up to five per cent of its Canadian users
Read more »
Local news, Quebec publishers first targets of Facebook's block on Canadian newsThe company says it is working towards an effective product solution to end news availability in Canada so as to comply with Bill C\u002D18
Read more »
Local news, Quebec publishers first targets of Facebook's block on Canadian newsMeta has started blocking news for some Canadians on its Facebook and Instagram platforms in response to a Liberal government bill that could soon become law.
Read more »
As Meta tests news blocking in Canada, here are the first targets | Globalnews.caMeta is running a test blocking news content on Facebook and Instagram for some users in response to a Liberal government bill that would require tech giants to pay publishers.
Read more »
Bonnie Crombie set to make 'special' announcement as she explores run for Ontario Liberal PartyMississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie is making a 'special' announcement on Wednesday as she explores a potential run for leader of the Ontario Liberal Party.
Read more »
Bonnie Crombie set to make 'special' announcement as she explores run for Ontario Liberal PartyJUST IN: Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie is making a “special” announcement on Wednesday as she explores a potential run for leader of the Ontario Liberal Party.
Read more »