Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Facebook of putting profits ahead of public safety as forest fires hit the country.

Meta, which is the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced this summer that it would block news content from Canada. The reason is a new law that requires these giant companies to pay publishers for links and use of their content.

Criticize Facebook

Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated due to massive forest fires in the country. Among other things, there are serious concerns about the city of Yellowknife, which is the capital of the Northwest Territories.

– Today, in a crisis situation where up-to-date local information is more important than ever, Facebook is putting company revenue above public safety, the Canadian Prime Minister said at a press conference in Cornwall on Prince Edward Island on Monday.

– It is therefore incomprehensible that companies like Facebook choose to put profits ahead of ensuring that local news media can provide up-to-date information to Canadians, the Prime Minister said.

Stand up straight

Meta's block covers local news media and national media, including national broadcaster the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

However, the California-based company stands by its decision.

In a statement from Meta about the bushfires, it said that people in Canada can continue to use Instagram and Facebook to “connect with their communities and access credible information, including content from official government agencies, emergency services and non-governmental organizations ».