Rethinking News Distribution: Lessons from Meta’s Block in Canada

Before sharing my thoughts on this news, please know that I haven’t used Facebook actively for several years now, only a few times a year for very specific use cases. I keep my Facebook account so that I can use Messenger occasionally.

According to an article (in French) published by the digital newspaper "La Presse," the anticipated disaster in Canada following Meta's blockage of news sharing on its platforms did not occur. Not only did readers adapt, but they also discovered that Facebook was a means of distribution with questionable practices (duh!). The media adapted as well, and their readership increased rather than decreased:

“Since August 1, 2023, Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, has been blocking media content in Canada to avoid complying with the Online News Act. This law, in effect since last December, requires digital platforms to negotiate royalties with media outlets to use their content."

And:

“Some Quebec media outlets that feared the news block would harm them have instead observed increased traffic."

Will the trend continue? It remains to be seen, but many media outlets that have developed a strategy of never being dependent on a third party for news dissemination are doing very well and have not been affected by Meta’s news blockade. That’s good for them, and I think it is the best way to go until something profound happens with social networks: being and acting as responsible corporate citizens.

“One year after Meta blocked news on Facebook and Instagram in Canada, many Quebec internet users have changed their habits to stay informed. Far from the predicted catastrophe, the change has allowed many to reconnect with news media and, paradoxically, to question their use of social networks.”

Now, some experts wonder whether the withdrawal of news sharing might promote misinformation on Facebook. According to the report, some experts believe it does, and this could even challenge democracy. For my part, I think the business model and Meta’s practices, acting as Facebook’s toxic multiplier effect, should not be used as a conduit for sharing news. Facebook’s stance on fake news is, in fact, far scarier and challenging. I believe these platforms need to be more responsible, and without significant change, they should be regulated—the sooner, the better.

“Éric-Pierre Champagne cites the example of fake news where the faces of celebrities and the brand images of various media, including La Presse, are used to scam those who click. According to him, Meta claims, however, that this aligns with its advertising practices.”

Do you see the problem here? Meta refuses to acknowledge that sharing fake news is unacceptable and to take action to prevent it. In my opinion, this is the crux of the issue. Large companies must show constant revenue growth, leading them to make decisions or turn a blind eye to fundamental issues that completely discredit them. Until these changes, we cannot rely on them to share true or fake news. I hope people will realize this one day.

As a side note, the open web is more than ever an answer to closed platforms. We need to educate people about this.