The tech group opposes the draft law in Canada.
(Photo: REUTERS)
new York Internet company Meta no longer wants to show users in Canada news content on its Facebook and Instagram platforms. The availability of the news will end before the so-called Online News Act comes into force in Canada, Meta announced on Thursday.
The planned law is intended to help smaller media companies in Canada in particular to demand payment for large platforms such as Facebook to redistribute their news content. The Online News Act ensures fair profit-sharing between digital platforms and news media, the Canadian Department of Cultural Heritage explained.
According to the ministry, the law received the “Royal Assent” on Thursday – the necessary royal approval before it comes into force, which is expected in six months.
“This new law will require the largest digital platforms to negotiate fairly with Canadian news companies over the use of their news content within their services,” the ministry said. Minister Pablo Rodriguez said the law would create a level playing field by controlling the power of big tech companies.
In order to comply with the new legal situation, the content of news portals and broadcasters can then no longer be available when accessed from Canada, according to Meta. However, other products and services can still be used.
“We want to reassure the millions of Canadians on our platforms that they will always be able to connect with friends and family, nurture their businesses and support their local communities,” the Facebook company said.
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