Australia Today Not Banned, Blocked by Meta Over Business Strategy

12 Nov, 2024

Australian news outlet The Australia Today has not been banned in Canada, contrary to some claims. Instead, the outlet was blocked by Meta, Facebook's parent company, as part of its broader business strategy to reduce the prominence of news content on its platforms. This clarification was provided by the Canadian government in a statement to ThePrint on Saturday.

According to a spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada, "Australia Today has never been banned in Canada." The statement further emphasized that both the Australia Today news site and videos featuring media comments from key figures, such as India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong, remain accessible to viewers in Canada without any restrictions.

Meta’s decision to limit news content on its platform was driven by strategic changes aimed at de-emphasizing news in favor of other types of content. As a result, while certain media outlets may have experienced disruptions, it does not indicate a government-imposed ban. The ongoing accessibility of Australia Today in Canada highlights that the content is still available for public viewing. This move by Meta has sparked discussions surrounding the global accessibility of news content and its implications for both media organizations and consumers.

In summary, The Australia Today has not faced a ban in Canada, and its content remains readily available for Canadian viewers. The restrictions imposed by Meta are part of a larger shift in its approach to handling news across its platforms.

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