International
‘Day Without Meta’: Canada Journalists Urge Boycott Of Instagram, Facebook
Eko Hot Blog reports that Canadian journalists are urging the public to join a one-day boycott of Meta-owned social media platforms on Friday, September 15, 2023, in protest of the company’s decision to block news-sharing in Canada over a contentious law that would require Meta to pay Canadian media outlets for content shared on its platforms.
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The boycott, dubbed “Day without Meta,” is being led by the Federation of Professional Journalists of Quebec. The group said in a statement that the goal is to send a message that “Quebec will not let itself be intimidated and will continue to support local media and journalists.”
On today's International Day of Democracy, the CAJ stands with our colleagues @FPJQ in calling for a one-day boycott of Meta’s platforms in Canada.https://t.co/S4daZ1zMmr
— Canadian Association of Journalists (@caj) September 15, 2023
Meta imposed a news blackout in Canada on August 1, 2023, in response to the Online News Act, which was passed by the Canadian Parliament in June. The law would require Meta and other major tech companies to pay Canadian media outlets for content shared on their platforms.
Meta has argued that the Online News Act is unfair and would force the company to subsidize the news industry. However, the Canadian government has defended the law, saying it is necessary to protect the Canadian media industry and ensure that Canadians have access to reliable news and information.
The news blackout has sparked widespread backlash in Canada, with many people accusing Meta of censorship and trying to bully the Canadian government. The boycott on Friday is an attempt to put pressure on Meta to reverse its decision and comply with the Online News Act.
The boycott of Meta platforms by Canadian journalists is a significant event, as it shows the growing level of opposition to the company’s news blackout. The boycott is also a sign of solidarity between journalists and the Canadian media industry, which is facing significant challenges.
The outcome of the boycott is unclear, but it is possible that it could put enough pressure on Meta to reverse its decision and comply with the Online News Act. If Meta does not back down, the boycott could lead to a longer-term conflict between the company and the Canadian government.
The boycott is also significant in the context of the global debate about the role of tech companies in the news industry. Meta and other tech companies have come under increasing scrutiny for their role in the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
FURTHER READING
The boycott by Canadian journalists is a reminder that tech companies have a responsibility to support the news industry and ensure that people have access to reliable information.
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