At a time when a huge fire hits Canada, Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of this country, accused Meta of putting company profits ahead of public safety. The issue is blocking news on Meta platformsstarted at the beginning of this month.

This news block does not allow people to access news through social networks Facebook and Instagram, including news about the fire that broke out in the Canadian country. Speaking at a press conference, the Canadian prime minister said Meta’s actions were “inconceivable”.

“Now, in an emergency situation where up-to-date local information is more important than ever, Facebook puts corporate profits ahead of citizen safety and quality local journalism. This is not the time for that“, declared Justin Trudeau, quoted by Radio-Canada.

The fire situation in this North American country is not new, and Meta previously said it would maintain its positionadding that the websites the government and other sources disseminating information on the subject were not included in the blockade.

“People in Canada can use Facebook and Instagram to connect with their communities and access trusted information, including content from official government agencies, emergency services and non-governmental organizations,” said David Troya-Alvarez, spokesperson for Voice of Meta, quoted by CBC. .

Meta began blocking information on its platforms (Facebook and Instagram) in Canada in early August. This measure appeared in response to the online news law, which aims to “force” technology platforms – like Meta or Google – to share their revenues with Canadian media. for its content.

In this sense, Canadian users of Meta platforms are no longer able to see and click on connections news articles published on Facebook and Instagram, including audiovisual content published by the media.

Previously, after Meta warned that if the legislation passed it would block information on its platforms in Canada, the Canadian government announced in early July that it would suspend all advertising on Facebook and Instagramin a decision which called into question an annual advertising investment of 7.5 million dollars (approximately 6.9 million euros).

Interrogates Regarding the possibility of rolling back the online information law, Justin Trudeau has shown no signs of this being an option. “We’re just saying that in a democracy, quality local journalism is important,” he said.

“And that’s more important than ever, as people worry about their homes, worry about their communities, worry about the worst summer in terms of extreme weather that we’ve seen in a long, long time.” NowToronto.