Meta (Facebook) plans to restrict news access on its platforms for Canadian consumers.

This decision comes after the passage of a controversial online news bill by the Canadian parliament.

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The bill requires big platforms like Meta and Google to compensate news publishers for content posted on their sites. Both Meta and Google have already tested limiting news access to some Canadians in the past.

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In 2021, Facebook blocked Australian users from sharing or viewing news in response to a similar law.

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The Online News Act recently cleared the senate in Canada. It mandates platforms like Meta and Google to negotiate commercial deals and pay news organizations for their content.

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An independent analysis estimates news businesses could receive about C$329m ($250m; £196m) per year from digital platforms.

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Meta has criticized the law as "fundamentally flawed legislation" that ignores the reality of how their platforms function. The company announced that it will end news availability on Facebook and Instagram for all Canadian users before the bill takes effect.

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Google also finds the bill "unworkable" in its current form. The company is seeking to work with the government to find a way forward

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The Canadian government believes the bill is necessary to enhance fairness in the digital news market and support struggling news organizations.

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Media industry groups view the bill's passage as a step toward market fairness and securing fair compensation for news.

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