Meta, the parent company behind Facebook and Instagram, made it impossible for Canadian users to post news stories to the platforms early this month in response to a new Canadian law. It states that Facebook and other online platforms such as Google must pay publishers of news websites to publish news.
Transportation Minister Pablo Rodriguez said: “What Meta is doing now is completely unacceptable. This policy is preventing people from accessing important information.” In his previous position as Minister of Heritage, he was responsible for the relevant law.
A senior member of his party described Meta’s actions as “reckless and irresponsible”.
attack on Canada
Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau had already sought confrontation with the company. According to him, Meta “opened the attack on Canada” and wanted to make his point and use Canada as an example. In Australia, where a similar law has already been passed, Google and Meta struck a $1 million financial deal with major news publishers.
Meta says in response that Facebook has activated the “I’m safe” function in the affected area.
