maaxx.ca

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Meta (Facebook) officially blocks news content in Canada, following the implementation of the “Online News Act” policy. This regulation requires Facebook, Google and others to pay compensation to media companies whose content is distributed through online platforms.

Shortly after the blockage, a wildfire occurred on Instagram. As a result, local residents are unable to search for information because it is blocked on the Facebook platform.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finally spoke out on Facebook’s position. He said Facebook’s decision to block information was “cruel” at a time when thousands of Canadians were being driven from their homes due to wildfires.

“We are currently in an emergency situation. Access to the latest information is the most important thing. Meanwhile, Facebook has chosen to put company profits ahead of human safety,” he said. he declared, quoted by CBC, Wednesday (8/23/2023).

“Now is not the right time to do this [mementingkan profit ketimbang keselamatan manusia],” he added.

Furthermore, Trudeau said he could not understand the harsh stance chosen by Facebook. The reason is that Canadians spend the majority of their time online accessing social media like Facebook.

When there is a major disaster or incident, Canadians immediately search for the latest information via Facebook. With access to information blocked, media companies are struggling to reach the public with important information.

When asked for information, Facebook representatives said they stand by their principles. Meta spokesperson David Troya-Alvarez said Canadians can still use Facebook and Instagram to connect with their communities and access information.

“Including content from official accounts of government, emergency services and non-governmental organizations,” it said.

Apart from this, Facebook has also enabled the Safety Check feature which allows users to click a button to inform their family and loved ones that they are safe from the fire that has occurred.

When asked if Trudeau would relax and roll back the Online Information Act regulations, he wouldn’t budge.

“It’s Facebook’s choice,” he said.

For your information, the regulations put in place by Canada were also implemented in Indonesia some time ago. Indonesian President Joko Widodo has demanded that Facebook, Google and others pay for information produced by media companies and distributed through their services.

These regulations are still being developed by the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo). Some time ago, Deputy Minister of Communication and Information (Wamenkominfo) Nezar Patria said that his party was still revising the regulations.

(fabulous/fabulous)