The social media giant Meta is reacting more than stubbornly to the new media law including the ancillary copyright law that has been passed in Canada and, instead of paying for news on Facebook and Instagram, wants to do without it completely - even before it comes into force.
Legal changes lead to radical adjustments
The Internet giant Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced a surprising step: With the Canadian “Online News Act” coming into force, the company will block access to news content for users in Canada on its platforms. The proposed measure highlights the growing tensions between technology companies and media organizations fighting for fair conditions for the use of news content.
The Online News Act: A balance between media and platforms
The Online News Act was created to correct the imbalance between major platforms like Facebook and news media. Smaller media companies in Canada in particular should be given the opportunity to demand compensation for the distribution of their content by large platforms.
The Canadian Ministry of Culture emphasizes that the law ensures a fair distribution of profits between digital platforms and news media. The law has already received Royal Assent - the royal assent required before a law can come into force. This is expected in approximately six months.
A path to fairer competitive conditions
According to Minister Pablo Rodriguez, the new law will help create a more level playing field by regulating the power of big tech companies. “A strong, independent and free press is fundamental to our democracy. The Online News Act will help ensure tech giants negotiate fair and equitable deals with news organizations ,” the minister said on Twitter.
A strong, independent and free press is fundamental to our democracy. The Online News Act will help make sure tech giants negotiate fair and equitable deals with news organizations. #CndPoli #C18 pic.twitter.com/KWvZQVrCCz
— Pablo Rodriguez (@pablorodriguez) June 23, 2023
Meta's reaction to the new law
In response to this change in law, Meta has announced that its news content will no longer be available for access from Canada. However, other Company products and services remain available.
The company assures its Canadian users that they can continue to stay in touch with friends and family, conduct business and support their local communities.
Dispute already in Australia
According to the Canadian “Online News Act”, technology companies such as Google or Meta have to pay publishers if their content is linked or used in any other way. Although, according to the Canadian government, the financial amount still needs to be negotiated, Meta is already defiantly implementing the boycott after previous threats.
Canada is not unique when it comes to legislating fair compensation for the use of news content. There was already a similar case in Australia at the beginning of 2021. At that time, Facebook and Google briefly blocked news sites, which ultimately resulted in a compromise with the government.
Conclusion
The planned introduction of the Online News Act is an important step in the discussion about the rights of news media in the digital age. However, with the planned blocking of news content on its platforms, Meta appears to be taking a confrontational course. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and what impact this will have on users in Canada.
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )