Marketplace Tech
Meta's news blackout in Canada causes problems during election
Apr 30, 2025
Canada's recent elections faced significant challenges due to a new law mandating payment from social media companies to news publishers. Meta's drastic decision to block news from its platforms created a vacuum, leading to less access to credible information. This blackout not only impacted media engagement but also allowed misleading content to flourish. As local news outlets struggled to survive, questions arose about the implications for democracy and the role of tech companies in shaping public discourse.
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Quick takeaways
- Meta's decision to block news on its platforms resulted in a major decline in media engagement and the closure of numerous local news outlets.
- The absence of reliable news sources during the election led to an increase in misinformation, affecting public perception and information dissemination in Canada.
Deep dives
Impact of Canada's Online News Act
Canada's Online News Act requires major social media platforms to negotiate payments to news publishers for the use of their content. This legislation aimed to support the struggling news industry by ensuring tech companies like Meta and Google contribute financially. In response, Google agreed to invest $100 million annually into a fund for news organizations, while Meta opted to block news sharing entirely on its platforms, leading to the disappearance of nearly half of all media engagement. This response has resulted in over 200 local news outlets shutting down, highlighting the significant impact of the law on the media landscape.
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