After the controversial online news bill was passed by the parliament, Meta made the decision to restrict access to news content on its platforms for Canadian users.

This bill mandates prominent platforms to provide compensation to news publishers for the content posted on their sites.

Both Meta and Google have already been conducting tests to restrict news access for some Canadian users.

In a similar vein, Australian users were previously unable to share or view news on Facebook in response to a comparable law implemented in 2021.

Canada's Online News Act, which was approved by the senate on Thursday, establishes regulations that require Meta, Google, and other platforms to engage in commercial negotiations and remunerate news organizations for their published content.

Meta has criticized the legislation as "fundamentally flawed" and disregarding the realities of how their platforms operate.

Prior to the bill taking effect, Meta announced the discontinuation of news availability on Facebook and Instagram for all users in Canada.

According to a spokesperson from Meta, the imposition of a legislative framework that obligates them to pay for links or content they do not post, and which are not the primary reason users utilize their platforms, is unsustainable and impractical.

However, the changes to news content will not affect other services provided to Canadian users by Meta.

Google has expressed its concerns about the bill's current form, deeming it "unworkable," and has expressed a desire to collaborate with the government in finding a viable solution.

The federal government states that the online news bill is essential to promote fairness in the Canadian digital news market and enable struggling news organizations to receive fair compensation for the news and links shared on these platforms.

According to an analysis conducted by an independent parliamentary budget watchdog, news businesses could potentially receive approximately C$329 million ($250 million; £196 million) annually from digital platforms.

Earlier this month, Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez criticized the testing procedures conducted by tech platforms, deeming them "unacceptable" and a "threat."

In Australia, Facebook eventually restored news content to its users after discussions with the government led to amendments.

Mr. Rodriguez's office confirmed that he has met with representatives from both Google and Facebook this week and intends to continue discussions. However, the government remains committed to implementing the bill.

"If the government fails to defend Canadians against tech giants, who will?" Rodriguez stated in a released statement.

Media industry groups have praised the passage of the bill as a step toward achieving market fairness.

"Real journalism, created by genuine journalists, continues to be in demand by Canadians and is vital to our democracy. However, it comes with real costs," said Paul Deegan, president and CEO of News Media Canada, a media industry group.

The Online News Act is scheduled to go into effect in Canada within six months.

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