Starting today, Meta has implemented a news blackout in Canada for Facebook and Instagram users. They will no longer have the ability to view or share news links, videos, and photos posted by publishers and broadcasters. The decision came after Canadian legislators passed the Online News Act, which requires platforms to negotiate revenue-sharing agreements with news organizations. Meta stated that it will take a few weeks for the changes to apply to all users in the country. They will be identifying news outlets based on legislative definitions and guidance from the Online News Act, and content shared by international news organizations will also be hidden from Canadian users. This move aims to address the decline in advertising revenue faced by news outlets due to the rise of online services. Google has also taken similar action, intending to prevent Canadian users from accessing news links across some of its products. In the past, Meta took a similar approach with Australia, but eventually reached an agreement to pay publishers for news links and snippets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about News blackout
What is the reason for Facebook and Instagram’s news blackout in Canada?
Facebook and Instagram implemented a news blackout in Canada in response to the passing of the Online News Act by Canadian legislators. The law requires platforms to negotiate revenue-sharing agreements with news organizations.
What does the news blackout mean for Facebook and Instagram users in Canada?
As a result of the news blackout, Facebook and Instagram users in Canada will no longer be able to view or share news links, videos, and photos posted by publishers and broadcasters. Content from news outlets based in Canada and international news organizations will be hidden from Canadian users.
How long will it take for the news blackout to be fully effective for all users in Canada?
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, stated that it will take a few weeks for the changes to come into effect for all users in the country.
What is the aim of the Online News Act in Canada?
The Online News Act aims to address the decline in advertising revenue faced by news outlets over the last two decades due to the rise of online services. It requires certain platforms to negotiate revenue-sharing agreements with news organizations to support the news industry.
How did Meta respond to a similar situation in Australia previously?
In early 2021, Meta stopped users in Australia from sharing news links on Facebook in response to a dispute over revenue-sharing with news publishers. However, they eventually reached an agreement to pay publishers for posting news links and snippets.
More about News blackout
- “Facebook and Instagram to block news content in Canada following Online News Act.” (Source: The Verge)
- “Facebook and Instagram news blackout in Canada begins, impacting publishers and users.” (Source: CBC)
- “Canadian legislators pass Online News Act to address news outlets’ revenue decline.” (Source: Global News)
- “Google also plans to restrict access to news links in Canada after Online News Act.” (Source: Reuters)
- “Meta’s previous dispute with Australia over news content and revenue-sharing.” (Source: BBC News)
