Ottawa likely to face pressure from Google, Facebook on news sharing rules following threats against Australia – By Jesse Snyder (National Post) / Sept 3 2020
Media outlets have argued for years that U.S. digital firms have been siphoning ad revenue from them, generating revenues from content they did not create or pay for
OTTAWA — The Canadian government is likely to face increased pressure from digital giants like Facebook over the company’s use of local news content, after the firm earlier this week levelled threats against Australian authorities for new regulations they introduced.
Facebook on Wednesday said it would block Australian people from sharing news on its social media platform if the country moves ahead with a landmark regulatory change, which would force digital behemoths like Google and Facebook to pay news outlets for the stories users share on their sites.
Canadian media outlets have argued for years that U.S. digital firms have been unfairly siphoning ad revenue away from them, effectively generating revenues from content that they did not create or pay for. Data in recent years show domestic media revenues plummeting, while digital firms scoop up more of the market.
Michael Geist, professor at University of Ottawa, said the threat by Facebook is likely to be heard by Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault, who has been among the most vocal opponents of Facebook and Google on the issue.
