Observed Signal · Jul 7, 2022 · Regulation · Source: CMSWire · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Canada's Bill C-18 Forces Facebook, Google to Pay News Publishers
Canada is advancing Bill C-18, the Digital News Act, which would compel large tech platforms such as Facebook and Google to compensate news publishers whose links appear on their services or face binding arbitration. The legislation follows Australia's news media bargaining code and appears likely to pass by spring or summer 2023, according to Canadian MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith. More than 100 Canadian publishers have publicly opposed the bill, warning that it could entrench larger outlets through secretive deals with platforms. Google has criticized the proposed law, saying it could harm search and journalism standards, while Facebook has reacted less aggressively than it did in Australia. Proponents see the bill as a response to the closure of 450 Canadian news outlets since 2008, but critics note it is not a complete solution to the industry's financial challenges.
Canada's Bill C-18 advances a global regulatory precedent compelling major platforms like Facebook and Google to compensate news publishers, directly affecting platform-publisher economics and digital media distribution.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Canada's Bill C-18, the Digital News Act, would require Facebook and Google to pay news publishers for links or face arbitration.
- Since 2008, 450 news outlets have closed in Canada, according to the article.
- More than 100 Canadian publishers signed an open letter opposing the bill.
- Google publicly criticized Bill C-18, claiming it could break search and lower journalism standards.
- MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith predicted the bill would pass by spring or summer 2023.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mapped“Google, meanwhile, has criticized the bill, claiming it would break search and potentially lower Canadian journalism standards....”
“Meta, for instance, has lost more than 50% of its market cap this year....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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