Google announced its decision to remove links to Canadian news from its Search, News, and Discover products in response to Canada’s recently enacted Bill C-18.
Unfortunately, we’ve made the difficult decision that when Bill C-18 takes effect, we will remove Canadian news links from our Search, News and Discover products. https://t.co/ilWrF1uRuS pic.twitter.com/wMdoignNlC
— Google Canada (@googlecanada) June 29, 2023
In this article, we will delve into the Online News Act and how Bill C-18 has prompted major tech platforms such as Google and Meta to implement changes to search and social platforms that will impact Canadians’ access to online news.
What Is The Online News Act
Bill C-18, known as the Online News Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in Canada to regulate digital intermediaries such as search engines and social media platforms that disseminate news content, addressing the relationship between these digital platforms and news businesses.
At its core, the Act aims to establish a framework for news businesses in Canada to negotiate compensation with digital platforms that distribute their content. This is in response to perceived imbalances in bargaining power between these entities.
News businesses eligible to initiate this bargaining process must meet specific criteria, including operation within Canada and employing at least two journalists.
If negotiations are unproductive, the Act provides for a final-offer arbitration process. This involves an independent panel reviewing final offers from both parties and making a binding decision, considering the value contributed by both the digital platform and the news business.
The Act is framed to align with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It aims to be consistent with freedom of expression and journalistic independence.
Big Tech’s Response
In response to Bill C-18, Google and Meta have taken the significant step of removing news content from their platforms in