Online News Act: Meta Starts Banning Canadian Content On Threads

In response to Canada’s Online News Act (Bill C-18), Meta (NASDAQ: META), the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has expanded its news block to include Threads, escalating tensions with the Canadian government.

While Google has reached a deal with the government, Meta remains steadfast in its boycott, leading to concerns about the impact on the country’s media ecosystem.

Bill C-18, officially known as the Online News Act, aims to establish a framework requiring tech giants to compensate news outlets for their content. Although hailed by some as a positive step for the struggling journalism industry, the law has faced resistance from Meta and Google—the only two companies large enough to fall under its purview.

Amid the ongoing dispute, Meta blocked access to news on Facebook and Instagram for Canadians over the summer, asserting that the law is “fundamentally flawed.” Google, however, after months of negotiations, agreed to pay Canadian news outlets $100 million annually, avoiding a potential block.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remains resolute, stating, “We will continue to push Meta, that makes billions of dollars in profits, even though it is refusing to invest in the journalistic rigor and stability of the media.” The impasse raises questions about the future of Meta’s news services in Canada and the potential repercussions for the company.

The Online News Act applies to tech companies operating social media platforms or search engines in Canada, with a global revenue exceeding $1 billion and a monthly average of 20 million Canadian visitors or active users. Media outlets eligible for compensation include any news publisher with an online presence in Canada.

Under the legislation, tech companies must negotiate financial agreements with individual outlets or a single agreement distributing funds to multiple news sources. Google’s deal with the government allocates up to 30% of funds to broadcasters, including 7% for Canada’s public broadcaster, the CBC. The majority of funds will support print and online media, with allocations based on the number of full-time employees.

Similar legislation was enacted in Australia in 2021, prompting brief news blocks by Meta that ceased after amendments to the law. The UK and the US are also considering comparable laws.

Companies failing to comply with the Online News Act in Canada face fines by the regulatory body overseeing media and communication. Penalties for a first offense can reach up to $10 million, escalating to $50 million for subsequent offenses.

While the legislation has been praised by some, Meta argues that it misunderstands how the internet operates and claims minimal commercial gain from news content. Critics, including Michael Geist from the University of Ottawa, highlight the relatively small financial impact on publishers and the harm inflicted on Canadian news outlets during the dispute.

A recent study by the Media Ecosystem Observatory found a 90% decline in views of Canadian news on Meta platforms since the news ban. Local news outlets have been particularly affected, raising concerns about the resilience of the Canadian media ecosystem.


Information for this briefing was found via BBC and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

2026 Could Be Gold’s Biggest Year Yet!? | Ryan King – Equinox Gold

Gold Is Screaming Higher While Currencies Burn | Simon Ridgway – Rackla Metals

We Have the Highest-Grade Antimony Deposit in North America!? | Jim Atkinson -Antimony Resources

Recommended

Canadian Copper Secures $8 Million Lead Order From Ocean Partners As Part Of Larger Funding Round

Northern Superior Expands Philibert With 350 Metre Step Out Testing 1.10 g/t Gold Over 25.5 Metres

Related News

Bill C-18: The Online News Act (…of sabotage!)

Lots of hand wringing in the corporate media as bill C-18, The Online News Act,...

Sunday, May 14, 2023, 09:00:00 AM

‘Canada Proud’ Sees Surge on Facebook Thanks to Trudeau Policy Intended to Help News Orgs

Right-wing content creator Jeff Ballingall’s Canada Proud Facebook page is experiencing an unexpected surge. Since...

Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 01:22:13 PM

Meta Dissolves Team Assigned To Police Potential Ethical Issues Of Facebook, Instagram

Just a little a year after drumming up their own ‘responsible innovation’ efforts, Facebook’s parent...

Monday, September 12, 2022, 02:21:00 PM

Carpe Diem: Zuckerberg’s Stablecoin Appears Unstable As Asset Sale Talks Surface

Following its scrutiny in front of the US Congress and regulatory pressure, it seems that...

Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 03:33:00 PM

Advertisers Sue Meta For $7 Billion Over Alleged Inflated Reach Metrics

A group of advertisers has filed a lawsuit against Meta (NASDAQ: META), the parent company...

Monday, April 1, 2024, 12:08:00 PM