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Canada demands Meta to restore news content on Facebook and Instagram
Ottawa warns of the repercussions of the ban on media and public safety amid ongoing dispute over the Digital News Act
Published: January 29, 2026
The Canadian government has demanded that Meta restore news content to the Facebook and Instagram platforms, amid the ongoing ban on news within Canada due to the dispute over the Digital News Act.
The government confirmed in an official position that the continuation of the ban hinders Canadians' access to reliable news sources, causes direct harm to local media institutions, in addition to potential risks to public safety, especially during emergencies, disasters, and health crises.
Ottawa emphasized that the Digital News Act does not aim to restrict the circulation of news or impose censorship on content, but rather seeks to support national journalism and ensure that media outlets receive fair compensation for the use of their content by major digital platforms.
On the other hand, Meta continues to refuse to reverse the decision to ban news, considering that the Canadian law is not applicable to its business model, and that it imposes financial and operational obligations that do not align with the nature of its platforms.
This escalation comes at a time when negotiations between the two parties remain stalled, keeping the dispute open and increasing pressure on the Canadian government and digital platforms, amid growing calls to find a solution that balances supporting the media and ensuring public access to news