Canada/Meta feud over online news accentuated by raging wildfires

The monthslong rivalry between Canada and Meta over the country’s Online News Act has escalated once again as wildfires rage in British Columbia. The law, passed earlier in 2023, forces tech companies to pay news publishers for their content.

In response to the law, Meta blocked access to news content on Facebook and Instagram in Canada. Canada then pulled its federal government ad spending on the social media platforms.

Some people fleeing Canada’s wildfires have complained that the Meta ban prevented them from sharing important news and data about the fires. On Monday, Aug. 21, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called out Meta, calling the company’s decision to pull news content “inconceivable.”

“Facebook is putting corporate profits ahead of people’s safety,” Prime Minister Trudeau said during a televised news conference in the Atlantic province of Prince Edward Island. “It’s time for us to expect more from corporations like Facebook that are making billions of dollars off of Canadians.”

A Meta spokesperson previously pointed out that Canadians can still access information from official government agencies, emergency services and non-governmental organizations on the company’s platforms. Facebook has also activated the “Safety Check” feature that allows users to mark themselves as safe during a natural disaster or other emergency.

While firefighters have reported some progress against fires in an area known for picturesque resort towns, hundreds of fires have pushed thousands from their homes. Fire crews fought flames bearing down on Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories in Canada. The fire remained about nine miles from the city, which was left virtually empty after nearly all 20,000 residents fled for safety.