Why did Facebook and Instagram stop news in Canada?

Canadian users will no longer have access to news content on the social media platforms Facebook and Instagram.

Following the passing of a controversial bill in the Canadian Parliament, Meta Company has announced its decision to block news content on Facebook and Instagram in Canada.

The new law mandates that internet platforms compensate news publishers for the news articles published on their sites.

Both Meta and Google have initiated tests to block news content on their platforms for some Canadian users.

Previously, in response to a similar law passed in 2021, Meta banned the viewing and sharing of news on the Facebook platform in Australia as well.

Under the Online News Act, approved by the Canadian Senate on Thursday, platforms such as Meta and Google will be required to enter into commercial agreements with relevant news organizations to publish news content.

However, Meta argues that the law is fundamentally flawed as it fails to understand the workings of Facebook.

In anticipation of the law's implementation, Meta announced on Thursday that Canadian users of Facebook and Instagram will no longer be able to access news content on these platforms.

A spokesperson for Meta stated in a conversation with Reuters, "This legal framework compels us to pay fees even for links and materials that we do not post. Such news content and links do not contribute significantly to our platform's user base. Therefore, this rule is impractical and unsustainable."

Similarly, Google expressed its belief that the new law, in its current form, is unenforceable and seeks to engage in discussions with the Canadian government to determine the way forward.

Source: BBC