Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized Meta, the company led by Mark Zuckerberg, for its decision to block access to news stories on Facebook during a time when wildfires are devastating parts of Canada. Trudeau expressed his disbelief that Facebook would prioritize corporate profits over providing up-to-date information to local news organizations and Canadian citizens. This news blockade is a result of a new law that requires Meta to negotiate payment with publishers for their content. Trudeau emphasized that this decision is detrimental to democracy, as trust in high-quality journalism and diverse perspectives is essential. He stressed the importance of accessing reliable local information, especially during emergencies. Meanwhile, Trudeau deployed the military to address the wildfires in British Columbia, which have led to the evacuation of over 35,000 people. A Meta representative defended the company’s decision, stating that users in Canada can still use Facebook and Instagram to connect with their communities and access reputable information from officials. As the fires approached Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, Facebook introduced the “Safety Check” feature, allowing users to inform their loved ones that they are safe. The Post has reached out to Meta for comment. Mark Zuckerberg has argued that the Online News Act, recently approved by the Canadian parliament, falsely assumes that Meta unfairly benefits from news content shared on their platforms. Currently, Canadian users cannot view or share news content on Facebook and Instagram, including articles, videos, and audio from both Canadian and international outlets. However, links posted by Canadian outlets are still visible in other countries. Google, also opposing the Canadian law, plans to block news in Canada as well. The wildfires in British Columbia have forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, and Canada has experienced a record number of wildfires this year, causing smoke to drift across parts of the US. In total, over 5,700 fires have burned more than 53,000 square miles of land across Canada. Meta has previously adjusted Facebook’s algorithm to prioritize photos, videos, and content shared by friends and family, resulting in significantly reduced traffic for publishers.
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