Facebook, Instagram to Block News in Canada Due to New Law

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has announced that it will block access to news articles on Facebook and Instagram in Canada. This decision comes after Canada passed the Online News Act, a new law that requires internet companies to pay news publishers for their content. Meta had initially protested against the law but ultimately decided to comply by blocking news content.

It remains uncertain if Meta will reconsider allowing news in the future. This move follows a similar situation in Australia in 2021, where Meta initially blocked news stories before reaching agreements with publishers. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission will intervene if publishers and platforms fail to reach an agreement.

Key Takeaways:

• Meta will block news articles on Facebook and Instagram in Canada due to the new Online News Act.
• The law requires internet companies to pay news publishers for their content.
• Meta had initially protested against the law but will comply by blocking news content.
• The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission will intervene if agreements between publishers and platforms cannot be reached.