Meta intends to block its users in Canada from accessing news on its Facebook and Instagram platforms, in the event that the proposed "Online News Act" by the federal government is passed in its current form.

According to the Canadian newspaper The Star, Meta and Google are fighting against the proposed law known as Bill C-18, which will require giant digital companies to negotiate deals that would compensate Canadian media companies for linking to their content online or otherwise reusing it.

Major Canadian media companies and the federal Liberal government have supported the bill, saying it will help pave the way for news outlets competing with tech companies for advertising and profits.

Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez said in a statement: "Once again, it is disappointing to see Facebook resort to threats instead of working with the Canadian government in good faith," adding "This tactic did not work in Australia, and it will not work here."

His remarks referred to Meta's move on its platforms to block access to news in Australia after a similar law was discussed in 2021, where Meta quickly backed down after the Australian government made changes to the arbitration mechanism in the bill.

Meta spokesperson, Lisa Lavancher, shared the company's decision that “the current provisions of the bill will put the company in an indefensible position.”

She wrote: "The legislative framework that forces us to pay for links or content we do not publish, which is not the reason why the vast majority of people use our platforms, is neither sustainable nor practical."