Why you can't see news on Facebook or Instagram in Canada
Since August 2023, Meta has blocked news on Facebook and Instagram in Canada, saying it is complying with the Online News Act (Bill C-18). News links can't be shared there. Follow Windsor News at windsornewsdesk.ca, on X, Telegram and by newsletter.
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Since August 2023, Meta has blocked news on Facebook and Instagram for people in Canada. The company says it made the change to comply with the federal Online News Act, also known as Bill C-18.
What happened
The Online News Act became law on June 22, 2023. The law requires the largest digital platforms to bargain with Canadian news businesses for the use of their news content. The CRTC, the federal broadcasting and telecom regulator, oversees that bargaining process. The Act and its regulations came into force on Dec. 19, 2023.
On Aug. 1, 2023, Meta said it had "begun the process of ending news availability in Canada" on Facebook and Instagram. Meta said news links and content posted by Canadian news publishers and broadcasters would no longer be viewable by people in Canada, and that people in Canada would no longer be able to view or share news content on the two platforms.
Where it stands
In a recent briefing note for the Minister, the federal heritage department said Meta announced in August 2023 that it would permanently end the provision of news to Canadians on its platforms. The department said the government "remains open to working with Meta." Google is subject to the Act. The CRTC granted Google a five-year exemption on Oct. 28, 2024, after it agreed to contribute $100 million a year to Canadian news organizations.
What it means for you
If you are in Canada, links to news stories can't be shared or seen on Facebook or Instagram, and posts from local news outlets, including in Windsor-Essex, are affected.
You can follow Windsor News directly:
On the website: windsornewsdesk.ca
On X: @WindsorNewsDesk
On Telegram: @windsornews
By newsletter: sign up at windsornewsdesk.ca
