Canadian companies halt ads on Facebook, Instagram after Meta blocks news access | Technology News





The "Online News Act", which was approved by the Canadian parliament and received a royal assent on June 22.





MetaA Meta logo is seen at the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France, June 14, 2023. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo
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Several Canadian companies and government agencies have stopped advertising on Facebook and Instagram after Meta Platforms decided to stop news access on the apps over a law that requires payments to local news publishers.


The “Online News Act”, which was approved by the Canadian parliament and received a royal assent on June 22, prompted a similar response from Google-parent Alphabet.


Company Date Comment Postmedia July 6 “There is no greater proof of the critical need for this law at this time than the actions taken upon its passing.


We hope to work together to ensure that all parties can do what the Online News Act allows for, to bargain fairly, level the playing field and preserve journalism in Canada,” said CEO Andrew MacLeod.


Below is a list of companies that have paused advertising on Meta’s social media platforms:


Torstar July 6


“We vigorously object to Meta’s Corporation unprecedented plans to block our content on its platforms in protest against the federal government’s Online News Act (Bill C-18),” Neil Oliver, CEO of the owner of Toronto Star and Metroland Media Group, said.


Cogeco July 5


“In support of this legislation and the regulatory process that will soon be launched for its implementation, Cogeco, along with many other industry members, has decided to withdraw its advertising investments from Meta platforms,” Cogeco said.


Quebecor July 5


“Any move by Meta to circumvent Canadian law, block news for its users or discriminate against Canadian media content on its platforms, through its algorithms or otherwise, cannot be tolerated,” said Quebecor.


CBC/Radio-Cana July 5


“Access to news, a plurality of da voices and a diversity of viewpoints are all cornerstones of a healthy democracy. We join other Canadian media organizations that are calling for Canadians’ access to news — all news, from all outlets, both public and private — to be protected,” said CBC/Radio-Canada


Stingray Aug. 8


“We cannot tolerate Meta’s recent decision to block news from Canadian news media publishers and their potential implications for Canadian news content. As a result, we have decided to pause our advertising on Facebook and Instagram,” CEO Eric Boyko said.






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First published on: 09-08-2023 at 11:27 IST












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