Yesterday, the federal government and also the Quebec government announced it was pulling advertising off Meta platforms, specifically Facebook and Instagram.
The fight comes after the Online News Act, which wants tech giants such as Google and Meta to pay news media when readers share links on their platforms. Both Google and Meta have announced they will be pulling access to Canadian news off their platforms over the new legislation.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday in Quebec, blasted Meta, amid the government’s news that it was pulling ads off Facebook and Instagram.
“This is not just a dispute over advertising, it’s also a dispute over democracy,” said Trudeau. “It’s a question of recognizing the role that internet giants like Facebook, Meta, Google and others have in our lives and therefore a responsibility that they also wield.”
Canada believes there may be a way forward with Google as negotiations continue, but Meta seems like it’s done with the government.
“We’re continuing constructive conversations with Google. Unfortunately, Facebook has just refused to recognize any sort of responsibility it might have in contributing to a democracy,” said Trudeau.
Trudeau said, “We’re not backing down on this, this goes to the core of a free and informed society that is able to take responsible decisions in a democracy.” It’s going to be hilarious if the government concedes at some point after these strong words.
“Citizens need to have access to quality, local news, quality content, quality journalism, that is properly paid. Facebook doesn’t want to recognize the hard work of professional journalists across the country is something that undermines the very fabric of our democracy,” explained the Prime Minister.
“Canada and allies around the world are going to stand strong and demonstrate that we will not flinch in our defense of fundamental, foundational principles to democracy like a free quality informed press,” said Trudeau.
“The federal government could not in good conscience continue to spend taxpayer dollars, buying services from a company that is demonstrated that it doesn’t respect Canadian democracy and the pillars of Canadian democracy,” he continued to say. Eat that, Mark Zuckerberg, right?
What do you think of the Online News Act? Who is going to win the war of words between Canada and Meta?
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What is with the editorializing? “It’s going to be hilarious if the government concedes at some point after these strong words.”
John: you are not a good enough writer to engage in this kind of snark. Stick to the news and the facts – let the reader draw their own conclusions. As a Canadian first and foremost, I find your pro-corporate, anti-government stance both clumsy and offensive. I won’t be reading articles with your byline anymore.
Agreed. This website is way out of its depth when it comes to political commentary.
Not any more than Justin being way out of his depth (trying) to run a country.
Zinger
Yah stay in your lane DK don’t forget to mask up in the car still 😂
Ah yes, the internet. Where ‘snowflakes’ take issue with something and man children come in ready to serve justice with words of ….stupidity, I guess.
Based on these comments, We really are just fubar, no matter who’s in charge. Common sense is simply obsolete, just like Tesla will be soon enough.
how did you suddenly toss tesla into the debate Lol
Uh… you know this is a tech blog right? lol a grain of salt is required if you choose to entertain yourself with content websites like this provide. Not where you’ll find hard hitting unbiased journalism.
Do you also get upset when they have an Apple bias even though the site is called iPhone in Canada?
no kidding! Lmao
i thought that was hilarious. you need to relax a little Kal, don’t be so insensitive, it’s the internet for crying out loud you snowflake.
hahaha wow, I’ve seen some idiots in my life, but someone who sucks up to our supreme dictator justin castro?? man life must be hard for you.
Under PM Trudeau, the value of my home and rental property have nearly doubled. He introduced the FHSA, which will help middle-class Canadians enter the market. He’s done very good work for home equity, which is what almost everyone’s wealth is tied to.
On top of that: wages are up, immigration is up and he just gave a new grocery rebate to help out low income people. He’s helped everyone! So if you don’t like him, try leaving your parent’s basement and go vote next time.
lol a measly one time couple hundred dollars supposed to help how??? damn you are dumber than I thought and it sounds like you are the one living in mommys basement since you are so clueless about cost of living. nothing has changed, the country is going down the drain and all he can obsess over is his stupid facebook law.
Do you kiss your mother with that mouth? You don’t seem to be capable of having a civil discussion, so I am going to block you. I truly hope you find some happiness somewhere in your life, but until then go to hell.
….and his sister… and his cousin.
😆
you only can get the grocery rebate if you’re literally near the poverty line, yet the government touts it as for all canadians. wtf? looks like our friend got triggered and blocked us. ** high five **
loll ** high five **
this goes to the core of a free and informed society that is able to take responsible decisions in a democracy
———-
This is precious coming from a prime minister that locked the country down during a pandemic adding mandatory vaccinations while seniors died alone in retirement homes and forcing Canadians with silly apps that have since been abandoned.
Agreed, just living in a banana republic. pot calling kettle black!!
This is the stupidest law I have saw… Canada has so many problems that needs to be addressed and he is worried about this….. I see the priorities.