Will Meta 'Unfriend' Canada With The “Online News Act” In Effect?

Ping! Did you hear Meta is all set to un-friend Canada, which might leave the Canadian Facebook and Instagram feeds news-less?

Yes, you read it right; the latest report says Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced it will restrict news access for Canadian users following the passage of Canada's Online News Act. The bill recently cleared the Senate and requires major online platforms to compensate news publishers for the content shared on their sites.

Supporters of the bill argue that it aims to enhance fairness in the Canadian digital news market and provide struggling news organizations with fair compensation for their work.

In fact, according to an analysis by an independent parliamentary budget watchdog, news businesses could receive approximately C$329 million per year from digital platforms. The government sees this legislation as an opportunity to level the playing field and ensure Canadian news organizations receive adequate financial support.

Even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been vocal in supporting the bill, criticizing Meta and Google for their opposition. He accused the tech giants of employing "bullying tactics" to undermine the legislation, asserting that the government must stand up for Canadians against influential companies.


On the other side of the debate, Meta and Google have raised concerns about the practicality of the bill.

"A legislative framework that compels us to pay for links or content that we do not post, and which are not the reason the vast majority of people use our platforms, is neither sustainable nor workable," Meta spokesperson said.

Google also called the bill "unworkable" in its current form but expressed a desire to collaborate with the government to find a viable solution.

This clash of viewpoints has resulted in Meta's decision to restrict news availability on Facebook and Instagram for all Canadian users. However, the company has assured users that this change will not affect other services provided in Canada.


With the bill is expected to take effect in six months, further discussions between the government and tech companies are planned. Only time will tell how the move will shape the future landscape of news consumption in Canada.

Do you think the decision will set a precedent for other countries coping with similar challenges? Do you agree that the bill in “unworkable” as Meta and Google claim? Our comments section awaits your thoughts.