The blackout is now official. Meta, the internet giant that operates Facebook and Instagram, has done exactly what it promised: block all news content from the feeds of Canadian users.
The move is a direct result of Bill C-18, a controversial new piece of federal legislation designed to compensate media outlets for articles that appear on Big Tech platforms such as Facebook and Google. But rather than pay up, Meta has chosen to abandon news altogether.
If you haven't noticed yet, the Facebook blackout includes every piece of journalism from this website, too. (For the record, Village Media, which operates this site, did not support Bill C-18 nor the prevailing wisdom behind it.)
Michael Geist understands the implications of this new bill as well as anyone. The Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law at the University of Ottawa, Geist was a recent guest on Village Media's Inside the Village podcast.
Who pushed for this legislation? Who wins? Who loses? And what does the bill mean for the future of quality local reporting, including the kind featured right here every day? You can watch the full episode HERE.
If you care about free, independent journalism — especially local journalism — this interview is a must-watch.
Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.
Every episode is available HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.
Have something to say? You can reach us at [email protected].
.svg)
.svg)
