Justin Trudeau slams Meta for blocking news on Facebook and Instagram as wildfires rage in Canada
- The parent company of the social media giants recently began ending news availability in Canada over a law requiring digital platforms to pay local publishers
- The Northwest Territories capital of Yellowknife ordered an evacuation of the entire city, while British Columbia has declared a state of emergency
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticised Meta Platforms Inc.’s blocking of news content, saying it impedes information sharing during wildfires that have forced tens of thousands of Canadians from their homes.
“It is so inconceivable that a company like Facebook is choosing to put corporate profits ahead of ensuring that local news organisations can get up-to-date information to Canadians and reach them,” Trudeau told reporters on Monday in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, before a three-day cabinet meeting.
California-based Meta began the process of ending news availability in Canada this month over a law requiring digital platforms to pay local publishers.
While Facebook and Instagram are not the only sources for news distribution, they were one of key platforms for outlets to reach their audience.
The news blocking means links and content posted by publishers and broadcasters on the platforms are no longer viewable by people in Canada.