Aug 23, 2023 14:00:00

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau accuses Meta of blocking news as wildfires threaten residents

Wildfire- plagued Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused Meta of blocking news based on Canadian law, saying it's 'not the time to put profits first.' Prime Minister Trudeau is concerned that Meta's blocking of news from Canada on Facebook and Instagram has left people affected by the devastating wildfires unable to access the news.

Trudeau denounces Meta's news block as fires force evacuations | CBC News
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-meta-wildfires-news-1.6942458

The Canadian Parliament passed a new law, Bill C-18 (Online News Act), which requires platforms such as Google and Facebook that distribute news to 'provide fair compensation to news publishers for publishing news' in June 2022. Passed in May. The law has been strongly opposed by platforms, with Google expressing concern that it will be exposed to 'unlimited financial liability' and Meta declaring that it will 'stop posting news if enacted.' has been reported.

Meta opposes the Canadian bill ``If you publish news, divide the revenue''-GIGAZINE

In fact, Meta has started implementing the block from late July 2023, and users residing in Canada can no longer access all links to news content and news outlet accounts.

However, in August 2023, following large-scale wildfires in northern Canada, Prime Minister Trudeau said, ``With wildfires displacing thousands of Canadians, the latest local information is available. Facebook is putting corporate profits ahead of people's safety, even though it's more important than ever. I applied pressure.

by

Gary Brandel

In response, a Meta spokesperson said, ``(Just not being able to confirm the news) Canadians are able to connect with their communities through Facebook and Instagram and rely on content, including from government agencies, emergency services and non-governmental organizations. It is possible to continue to access information that can be obtained,' countered. He also said that he enabled 'status update options to inform friends and family that they are safe', emphasizing that they are properly supporting Canadians in ways other than distributing news.

When asked if the government would abandon the Online News Act, Prime Minister Trudeau showed no sign of backing down, saying, 'This is Facebook's choice. In a democracy, quality local journalism is important.' And that's more important than ever at a time when people are worried about the safety of their homes and communities.'

by Mohammad Jangda