Who is impacted? A News Blackout on Social Media:

Every Canadian, from students in Vancouver to retirees in Halifax, is now in the dark. As of June 1, 2023, Meta, the corporate giant behind Facebook and Instagram, has begun phasing out news availability for all its users in Canada. This means that not only will Canadian news outlets no longer have their content visible to their local audience on these platforms, but even international news shared by global publishers will be hidden from the Canadian populace. In a digital age where many rely on social media for timely updates, this change cripples our access to news and affects our ability to stay informed.

What is at stake? The Consequence of Bill C-18:

While the Online News Act, known as Bill C-18, may have been crafted with intentions of balancing the digital news marketplace in Canada, its real-world outcome feels like a reverse Robin Hood - taking information access from the many and placing power in the hands of the few. Meta argues that they're forced into this decision because the act misunderstands the symbiotic relationship between news outlets and social media platforms. News outlets use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to expand their reach, while users get news updates in their feeds. With the news blackout, Canadians lose a primary source of diverse news, and the digital landscape becomes less open, less connected, and less informed.

Why is now the time to act? Demanding Clarity and Access:

The passage of Bill C-18 may be a done deal, but its implications on our news consumption are just unfolding. Meta's response to the law is a significant blow to our access to information. While Canadians can still access news directly from publishers, the ease and convenience social media brought to daily news consumption cannot be discounted. It's essential now, more than ever, to voice our concerns, hold both tech giants and the government accountable, and advocate for policies that truly serve the interest of all Canadians in the digital age, ensuring a free and open internet.