Facebook and Instagram to block news in Canada
Meta has announced plans to remove all news content from Facebook and Instagram in Canada ahead of a new law coming into effect that would force the platforms to share revenue with publishers. The Online News Act, known as Bill C-18, will force big technology companies to compensate news publishers for content that appears on their platforms, with Google also impacted by the legislation. “Today, we are confirming that news availability will be ended on Facebook and Instagram for all users in Canada prior to the Online News Act (Bill C-18) taking effect,” Facebook said in a blog post. “We have repeatedly shared that in order to comply with Bill C-18, passed today in Parliament, content from news outlets, including news publishers and broadcasters, will no longer be available to people accessing our platforms in Canada.” Ottawa has said the law creates a level playing field between online advertising giants and the shrinking news industry. Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez has promised to push back on what he describes as “threats” from Facebook and Google to remove journalism from their platforms. Meta’s plan to comply with the new law by blocking all news will also likely be harmful for news organisations, who derive web traffic from stories posted to Facebook and Instagram. The tech giant did not offer details about the timeline for the move, with the bill set to come into force six months after it receives royal assent. Meta, which is based in Menlo Park, California, has taken similar steps in the past. In 2021, it briefly blocked news from its platform in Australia after the country passed legislation that would compel tech companies to pay publishers for using their news stories. It later struck deals with Australian publishers. Laura Scaffidi, a spokesperson for the minister, said Mr Rodriguez was set to have a meeting Thursday afternoon with Google, which has hinted that removing news links from its popular search engine is a possibility. The company didn’t provide comment on the matter. Meta is already undergoing a test that blocks news for up to five percent of its Canadian users, and Google ran a similar test earlier this year. The Online News Act requires both companies to enter into agreements with news publishers to pay them for news content that appears on their sites if it helps the tech giants generate money. Ms Scaffidi said: “The tech giants do not have obligations under the act immediately after Bill C-18 passes. As part of this process, all details will be made public before any tech giant is designated under the act.” Additional reporting from agencies Read More Elon Musk confirms cage fight with Mark Zuckerberg Facebook Marketplace is most complained-about online retail platforms Meta reveals new AI that is too powerful to release Mark Zuckerberg reveals what he thinks about Apple’s headset – and it’s not good
2023-06-23 16:29
Bayern Munich confirm signing from arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund
Bayern Munich have announced the signing of Raphael Guerreiro on a free transfer from rivals Borussia Dortmund. He was the subject of interest from teams across Europe, including Premier League sides Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
2023-06-23 16:28
Rich nations finalise $100 billion climate aid at Paris summit - Macron
By John Irish and Leigh Thomas PARIS Wealthy nations have finalised an overdue $100-billion climate finance pledge to
2023-06-23 16:27
Hayley Atwell stuns in gorgeous gown as she accompanies Tom Cruise at 'Mission: Impossible 7' UK premiere
'Mission: Impossible 7 Dead Reckoning Part One', which has a staggering $290 million budget, is set to hit US theaters on July 12
2023-06-23 16:27
Where is Warren Jeffs now? Ex-FLDS members fear children abducted by radical Mormons to fulfill cult leader's prophecy
The claims are based on disgraced cult leader Warren Jeffs' twisted prophecy
2023-06-23 16:24
Jon Jones backs Mark Zuckerberg to counter Andrew Tate's support for Elon Musk in possible fight between CEOs
Musk had proposed a cage match after a fan's concerns about Zuckerberg's jiu-jitsu skills and the Meta CEO accepted, saying, 'Send me location'
2023-06-23 16:22
Who is Alanna Nash? Writer compares Elvis Presley to convicted sex offender R Kelly in new documentary about icon's 'fatal flaws'
In the documentary, Alanna is quoted as saying, 'In this day and age, he'd be sharing a cell with R Kelly'
2023-06-23 16:17
'And Just Like That' Season 2: Fans say Che and Miranda's 'unbearable' romance needs to come to an end
Miranda Hobbes ditches her husband Steve Brady for non-binary partner Che Diaz in 'And Just Like That' Season 2
2023-06-23 15:58
Paige Spiranac shares 'crazy couple of weeks’ photos from US Open, fans call her 'most gorgeous golfer'
Paige Spiranac wowed her fans as she shared stunning photos from her eventful weeks at the US Open on social media
2023-06-23 15:58
Deutsche Bank Hires Credit Suisse’s Lai as Senior Dealmaker
Deutsche Bank AG recruited Joe Lai from Credit Suisse Group AG as the German lender goes on a
2023-06-23 15:57
'Rust' movie armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed charged over tampering of evidence in Halyna Hutchins' case
Halyna Hutchins was tragically killed when the pretend gun Alec Baldwin was holding suddenly fired
2023-06-23 15:54
Turkey Demands Sweden Expel Kurd Suspects Before NATO Entry
Turkey wants Sweden to begin extraditing or expelling suspected Kurdish separatists before next month’s summit of the North
2023-06-23 15:50
