Facebook begins blocking news for Canadian users

https://endtimeheadlines.org/2023/08/facebook-begins-blocking-news-for-canadian-users/

After months of warnings, Meta Platforms said Tuesday that it has started to block access to news links for Facebook and Instagram users in Canada, raising the stakes in a showdown over whether digital companies should finance news outlets.

“Changes will roll out over a few weeks,” Meta spokesman Andy Stone said on his official account on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “As we’ve always said, the law is based on a fundamentally flawed premise. And, regrettably, the only way we can reasonably comply is to end news availability in Canada.”

Meta, and Alphabet’s Google, have taken a hard line against Canadian legislation passed by Parliament in June that compels digital platforms to compensate media outlets for links.

Internet law experts and former technology-sector executives say this stance reflects the companies’ concern about a contagion effect—that every jurisdiction will try to mimic Canada’s approach and get the Silicon Valley companies to help finance newsgathering.

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has approved proposed legislation that is similar in scope to what Canada approved, and state lawmakers in California are debating a bill that would require that the tech sector pay state-based media organizations.

New Zealand introduced a proposal last year to persuade digital platforms to reach voluntary deals with local news outlets, and South Africa and Brazil are considering regulations.

Google has said that it would remove links to Canadian news articles on its search function for Canadian users when authorities start enforcing the legislation, which is expected to happen late this year when regulations become final. Canadian officials say they believe they can address Google’s concerns. A Google spokesman said Tuesday its plan remains in place.

Meta’s decision on Canadian links resembles its move in February 2021 to block news on the Facebook platform in Australia in a dispute over payment for content.

Meta lifted the ban several days later after the company extracted concessions from the Australian government. Meta’s move generated criticism in the U.S., Europe and the U.K.

There is no sign of compromise in Canada. “We have been transparent and have made it clear to the Canadian government that the legislation misrepresents the value news outlets receive when choosing to use our platforms,” Meta said in a statement.

“The legislation is based on the incorrect premise that Meta benefits unfairly from news content shared on our platforms, when the reverse is true.” Michael Geist, a professor at the University of Ottawa who specializes in internet law, said he doesn’t expect Meta to backtrack.

---

The Tribulation is commencing..

Please repent, carry your cross daily and accept the free gift of Jesus Christ’s Death on the Cross for payment for your sins.

#Yahweh #Yeshua #HolySpirit #LordAlmighty #SovereignLord #Nameaboveallnames #TheWay #TheTruth #TheLife #TheGate #Heaven #KingdomofHeaven #Saved #Glorified #Endtimes #LastDays #FeastofTrumpets #markofthebeast #verseoftheday #birthpains #Judgement #Christian #Christianity #hope #love #Jesus #Christ