Culture Minister Pablo Rodriguez says the federal government will stop advertising on Facebook and Instagram.
This ad has not yet loaded, but your article continues below.
The new law stipulates that tech giants will pay media companies for content that they share on their platforms or otherwise reuse.
Rodriguez says Meta’s decision, which was already blocking content for some users as part of a test that began before the law passed, was “unreasonable” and “irresponsible” and Canada will therefore stop advertising on its platforms.
Google has also promised to start blocking Canadian news as soon as the bill goes into effect in six months. However, Rodriguez says the government is in talks with the company and believes future regulations to implement the bill will address their concerns.
This ad has not yet loaded, but your article continues below.
Rodriguez attended a press conference today, which was also attended by MPs from the Bloc Quebecois and the NDP, both of whom supported the law.
Quebecor Inc. is also withdrawing advertising from Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms after the tech giant decided to remove Canadian news from its sites.
Quebecor says it is taking its step after Meta’s “categorical refusal” to enter into negotiations.
The Quebec-based company says any moves by Meta to circumvent Canadian law, block messages for its users, or discriminate against Canadian media content on its platforms, through its algorithms or otherwise, cannot be tolerated.
Recommended by Editorial
Quebecor owns the telecommunications company Videotron and TVA Group, which includes the TVA television network, specialty channels and magazines. It also owns the Journal de Montreal and Journal de Quebec newspapers.
“Coffeeaholic. Lifelong alcohol fanatic. Typical travel expert. Prone to fits of apathy. Internet trailblazer.”