THUNDER BAY – TECH – META, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has complied with an order from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to publicly disclose details about its news-blocking measures.
This marks a new step in the increasingly tense standoff between META and the Canadian government over the Online News Act (Bill C-18).
META had initially refused the CRTC’s directive to release its October 17 response outlining how it complies with the law, which mandates compensation for news outlets whose content appears on digital platforms.
However, after the regulator set a Wednesday deadline, META made the document public.
META’s News-Blocking Strategy
In its brief statement, META revealed it blocks content from domains, pages, or accounts identified as news outlets, using a combination of account activity, and industry information from public, licensed, and government sources.
Despite these measures, the company did not address loopholes that users have exploited. Many Canadians have bypassed the ban by sharing screenshots of articles or copying text into posts, effectively undermining META’s news-blocking efforts.
The company’s decision to restrict Canadian news content came in response to the Online News Act, which requires platforms to compensate media outlets for hosting or displaying their content.
META argues the legislation is unworkable, maintaining that news content offers little value to its platforms.
Canada’s Response to META’s Resistance
The Liberal government remains firm in its stance, asserting that META could still fall under the legislation despite its efforts to block news content.
The Online News Act is part of Canada’s broader effort to ensure fair compensation for journalism and to sustain a struggling media industry.
In the meantime, the government has continued to support media outlets through initiatives like the Local Journalism Initiative (LJI), which subsidizes reporting in underserved areas.
However, critics argue that these subsidies cannot fully replace the exposure and revenue that platforms like Facebook and Instagram provided.
Australia’s Approach: Taxing Social Media and Regulating Access
While Canada wrestles with META’s compliance, Australia is taking a firmer stance. In addition to enforcing its News Media Bargaining Code, which mandates negotiations between platforms and news organizations, Australia is introducing new legislation to restrict social media access for children under 16.
The proposed laws aim to protect young users from harmful content and create accountability for tech giants. Social media companies will face penalties for non-compliance, further emphasizing Australia’s proactive approach to digital regulation.
Global Stakes in the Digital Media Landscape
META’s compliance with the CRTC order underscores the growing pressure on social media companies to be transparent about their operations.
Both Canada and Australia are at the forefront of a global movement to hold platforms accountable for their impact on journalism, privacy, and public discourse.
However, the standoff with META highlights the challenges of enforcing these policies. Workarounds by users, coupled with the platforms’ global reach, complicate efforts to regulate digital giants.
As governments and tech companies continue to clash, the outcomes of these disputes will shape the future of journalism, social media regulation, and the balance of power between nations and global corporations.
