Meta Bans Canadian News: Study Shows Rise in Screenshots, Decline in Local News

Last August, Meta removed news content from its Facebook and Instagram platforms for Canadian users due to the Online News Act. The move significantly impacted local news outlets like Now Media Group, causing a 70% audience and 50% revenue loss. Preliminary research by the Media Ecosystem Observatory reveals national outlets lost 64% of Facebook engagement, while local outlets lost 85%. Despite the ban, Canadians still use Facebook and Instagram for news, indicating minimal impact on Meta.