Meta Taking Steps to Block News for Canadian Users

Meta is taking steps to block news from displaying for Canadian users in response to a bill that would force the company to pay for news.

Canada is on the verge of passing a bill that would require tech companies to compensate publishers for the news they link to. Bill C-18 is similar to a bill that Australia passed, leading to a standoff between Meta and that country. Just as it did with Australia, Meta threatened to block news on its platform in Canada.

According to Financial Post, Rachel Curran, head of public policy for Meta Canada, testified to the House of Commons heritage committee that the company is already taking steps to block news if Bill C-18 passes.

It’s unclear what basis Meta has to go through with its threats, however. After all, Meta ultimately caved in Australia and agreed to abide by that country’s legislation.