Canada is ready to take on Facebook, following the example set by Australia, which started a war with the technology giant when publishers in the country backed the proposed legislation requiring payment for their content.
Canadian Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault condemned Facebook’s actions as “extremely irresponsible” last week, when the social media giant removed all Australian news content from its sites in retaliation.
Guilbeault has warned that Canada will be next in ensuring that Facebook pays for news content from Canadian publishers. Guilbeault is tasked with drafting the legislation in the next few months, which would require Facebook and Google Alphabet Inc. to pay.
“Canada is at the forefront of this battle … we are truly among the first groups of countries in the world to do this,” Guilbeault told reporters.
Guilbeault said he recently met with government ministers in Australia, Finland, France and Germany to build a common front on Google and Facebook, Globe and Mail reported.
“It was the first ministerial meeting where we started talking together about what we want to do together in terms of web giants, including fair compensation for the media. We believe there is a real strength in unity in this regard, “he said, adding that the growing coalition of opposing countries Facebook and Google could soon reach 15.” I’m a little curious to see what Facebook’s answer will be. Will Facebook sever ties with Germany, France, Canada, Australia and other countries that will join? At some point, Facebook’s position will be completely unbearable. ”
In Canada, critics of social media giants hailed the country’s position on technology giants. Last week, Canadian MP Alexandre Boulerice introduced a motion in the House of Commons condemning Facebook’s actions, saying “Facebook intimidation” does not take place in a democracy.
“We see a turning point in challenging the monopoly of big technology,” said Megan Boley, a professor of media studies at the University of Toronto, in an interview with The Post. “At this point, they decide what the truth is for the whole world. What is interesting is that this is an issue that countries can unite and hold Facebook and Google accountable. ”
But others took to Twitter to blow up Guilbeault’s plan. “If you force companies to pay for every link they make to another site, you’re essentially breaking the internet.” posted to Twitter @mattolan. “This is hurting the Canadian media; it doesn’t help her. This is a very poorly thought out plan. ”
Last year, Canadian publishers sought government action against technology giants, warning that the country could lose hundreds of jobs in print journalism. Following the Australian approach would allow Canadian publishers to recover nearly $ 500 million. This approach would require tech giants to reach out to pay for news stories whose links lead users to their sites.
“We cannot react to the proposed legislation until we see a project,” Kevin Chan, global director and head of public policy, Facebook Canada, said in a statement. “We believe there are other options to support news in Canada, which will benefit publishers of all sizes more accurately and recognize the value that platforms bring to news organizations. We are ready to work on these complex issues. ”