| Asarial, wildfires are devastating the Northwest Territories and BC, forcing tens of thousands of people and vulnerable communities to evacuate their homes. Meta’s decision to block access to reliable news sources during this time is nothing short of life threatening.
Earlier this month, Meta, the American multinational tech conglomerate that runs Facebook and Instagram, began blocking users from sharing and accessing posts from Canadian news outlets on Meta platforms. [1] Because of Meta’s ban, people in emergency situations across the country – who would usually use these platforms to access news – have in some cases been forced to rely on rumours and hearsay in community posts to track proximity of forest fires to their homes as wildfires rage. [2] The news ban from Meta – a multi-billion dollar corporation – is in retaliation to Bill C-18, the “Online News Act”, which requires that platforms pay for local journalism when it is shared on their platforms. Meta’s refusal to pay, and banning of Canadian news, is now making it even harder for folks in affected communities to share and access life-saving information. [3] Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came to bat against Meta on Monday, saying “Facebook is putting corporate profits ahead of people’s safety” [4] – and we can’t accept that. A flood of signatures could help build the groundswell of pressure on Meta to go back on this decision and open access to news, at least during emergencies. Will you sign the petition calling on Meta to reverse their Canadian news ban?
When Bill C-18 comes into force later this year, big platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Google will all be forced to pay Canadian news sources when people share their news. [5] The debate over Bill C-18 feels like an academic one, until people’s lives are at risk. We’re seeing more and more climate emergencies every year. Asarial, when disaster strikes communities depend on reliable news sources for accurate information in order to make quick, life saving decisions in response to climate emergencies like wildfires and floods. We can’t let corporate greed affect people having access to information that could save their lives. In times of crisis we need to stand with communities in need. Will you sign the petition now calling on Meta to reverse their Canadian news ban on Meta platforms in times of emergency?
https://act.leadnow.ca/meta-ban-petition/ With hope, |
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