Facebook Threatens to Withhold News Content in Canada Over Bill C-18
Facebook parent company, Meta, has threatened to block news content on Facebook and Instagram in Canada if Bill C-18 passes unamended.
The Online News Act, Bill C-18, would require tech giants to negotiate with news outlets and pay for content published or linked on their site.
The threat by Meta follows a similar move in Australia where it temporarily removed news for some users until the bill was changed.
Critics of the bill argue that it sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the foundation of the open web and incentivizes clickbait content over quality journalism.
The bill has passed the House and is expected to pass in the Senate before the summer.
However, there is limited time to make changes.
Canada’s Heritage Minister has vowed not to be intimidated by the threats of tech giants.
