News outlets in Canada are facing difficulties in posting content on Meta’s social media platforms since the company began rolling out restrictions in response to the new federal legislation. These restrictions, implemented in response to the Online News Act, have raised concerns among media organizations about their ability to share news and reach their audiences.
According to a CBC spokesperson, there have been inconsistencies when attempting to post on Facebook and Instagram. Some submitted content is not being posted, highlighting the challenges faced by news organizations as they navigate the new restrictions.
Bell, another major media company, has reported a mixed experience among its account users. While some users can still post to the brand’s accounts, others are encountering posting limitations. This inconsistency adds to the confusion and frustration among news outlets trying to adapt to the changes.
The Tyee, an independent news outlet, previously reported being blocked from posting news stories on Instagram and Threads. This highlights the real-world impact of Meta’s restrictions on the ability of media outlets to share their content on popular social media platforms.
Meta has referred inquiries for comment to its published explanation of the restrictions. According to this explanation, Canadian news organizations can still post content, but the key change is that viewers within Canada won’t be able to see those posts. This approach appears to be a response to the Online News Act, which aims to address the issue of compensating media outlets for their content on digital platforms.
It’s worth noting that Meta was initially testing news limitations for certain users, but it has now announced that news will be removed for all Canadian users within a few weeks. As these changes continue to be implemented, the impact on the media landscape and the ability of news organizations to engage with their audiences remains a topic of concern and discussion in Canada.