AustraliaBusinessCanadaGeneral NewsSocial mediaTrending NewsWorld News Meta tests blocking news content on Instagram, Facebook for some Canadians by Andrew Wright June 2, 2023 written by Andrew Wright June 2, 2023 0 comments Bookmark 54 Table of Contents Meta Tests Blocking News Content on Instagram, Facebook for Some CanadiansImpact on Canadian Users and Content RestrictionsResponse from Legacy Media, Broadcasters, and Tech GiantsWhat is Meta testing on Instagram and Facebook for Canadian users?Why is Meta blocking news content on Instagram and Facebook?How long will the test last?Will the block on news content be permanent?How many Canadian users will be affected by the temporary block?What types of news content will be blocked during the test?Will international news companies be impacted by the test?How will news publishers be notified about the test?What is the purpose of Bill C-18 and how has it been received?Has Meta taken similar actions in the past? Meta Tests Blocking News Content on Instagram, Facebook for Some Canadians OTTAWA, Ontario (BBN) — Meta is conducting a temporary test in Canada that involves blocking news content on Facebook and Instagram for certain users. This measure, expected to continue until the end of June, is a response to Bill C-18, also known as the Online News Act, which proposes that tech giants should compensate publishers for using their content online. Similar to Google’s action earlier this year, Meta’s decision to block news content may become permanent if the bill is passed. Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez criticized Meta’s move, asserting that Canadians will not be intimidated by such tactics. Impact on Canadian Users and Content Restrictions During the test, approximately one to 5% of Meta’s 24 million Canadian users will experience a temporary block on news content. The number of affected users may vary throughout the duration of the test. Rachel Curran, head of public policy for Meta Canada, provided these details. The restriction will prevent randomly selected Canadian users from viewing or sharing news content on Instagram or Facebook. This includes news links to articles, reels (short-form videos), and stories (photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours). Moreover, if international news companies like the New York Times or BBC are chosen, their content may also be blocked in Canada. Meta plans to inform randomly selected news publishers about this test, notifying them that some Canadian users will not be able to access their news content. Response from Legacy Media, Broadcasters, and Tech Giants Bill C-18 has received support from legacy media and broadcasters who view it as a means to promote fairness in the digital news marketplace and generate additional revenue for struggling newsrooms. Tech giants like Meta and Google have faced criticism for their impact on the advertising industry, often overshadowing smaller traditional players. Meta, based in Menlo Park, California, has previously taken similar actions in response to government regulations. In 2021, it temporarily blocked news content in Australia following the passage of legislation requiring tech companies to compensate publishers. Eventually, Meta reached agreements with Australian publishers to address the issue. What is Meta testing on Instagram and Facebook for Canadian users? Meta is conducting a temporary test in Canada where they are blocking news content on Instagram and Facebook for a portion of Canadian users. Why is Meta blocking news content on Instagram and Facebook? Meta’s decision to block news content is in response to Bill C-18, also known as the Online News Act, which proposes that tech giants should compensate publishers for using their content online. How long will the test last? The test is expected to continue until the end of June. Will the block on news content be permanent? Meta has stated that if Bill C-18 is passed, they are prepared to permanently block news content on Facebook and Instagram for Canadians. How many Canadian users will be affected by the temporary block? Approximately one to 5% of Meta’s 24 million Canadian users will experience the temporary block on news content. The number of affected users may vary throughout the test. What types of news content will be blocked during the test? The temporary block may include news links to articles, reels (short-form videos), and stories (photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours). Will international news companies be impacted by the test? Yes, if selected, international news companies like the New York Times or BBC may also have their content blocked in Canada during the test. How will news publishers be notified about the test? Meta will be notifying randomly selected news publishers that some users in Canada will not be able to see or share their news content throughout the test. What is the purpose of Bill C-18 and how has it been received? Bill C-18, the Online News Act, aims to enhance fairness in the digital news marketplace and generate more revenue for shrinking newsrooms. Legacy media and broadcasters have praised the bill, while tech giants like Meta and Google have faced criticism for their impact on the advertising industry. Has Meta taken similar actions in the past? Yes, Meta previously blocked news content in Australia in 2021 following the passage of legislation that required tech companies to compensate publishers. However, they later reached agreements with Australian publishers to address the issue. 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