Commonwealth — As Canada approaches a federal election this month, voters turning to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram for campaign updates will find a very different landscape than in previous years. Due to Meta‘s ongoing dispute with the Canadian government over the Online News Act (Bill C-18), major news outlets are blocked from sharing their content on these platforms. The law mandates that platforms compensate journalism organizations for using their content, a requirement Meta has rejected, resulting in a sweeping restriction on access to traditional news links across its services.
Despite the ban, news-related content has not entirely disappeared from Meta’s platforms. Users still encounter information in the form of screenshots, memes, and videos, often shared by influencers and content creators. However, this format lacks the depth and verification typically associated with traditional journalism. This shift is influencing how voters consume and interpret political information, with a growing tendency toward narrow, issue-based engagement rather than a broad understanding of political developments.
This evolving media environment is accelerating the decline of legacy journalism in Canada, a trend also seen in other countries. But the Meta ban is intensifying the shift by redirecting audiences toward non-traditional sources. Increasingly, political messages are being conveyed directly by candidates and influencers, or self-styled citizen journalists, who use their platforms to reach large audiences. While some of these individuals produce insightful commentary, others operate without the editorial standards or fact-checking protocols that define professional journalism. However, fact-checking organizations have recently been under scrutiny regarding funding sources and alleged bias.
Information reliability faces challenges due to this shift in news consumption. A growing number of Canadians now rely on political content from secondary sources, including social media personalities who present their perspectives through short-form videos. Some creators have built significant followings and attract hundreds of thousands of views with their content, reflecting a growing appetite for alternative voices.
The reliance on social media for political news is also raising concerns about echo chambers. As users engage with content that aligns with their existing beliefs, they may become more insulated from differing viewpoints. The filtering of news through influencers or algorithmic recommendations increases the risk of selective exposure, where individuals only encounter information that reinforces their existing political opinions. This dynamic contributes to a more polarized and fragmented political discourse.
Not all platforms are subject to the same legal obligations under the Online News Act. The legislation has not affected TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) in the same way, allowing users to continue sharing and accessing news freely. Meanwhile, Google has taken a different approach by contributing a substantial financial sum to a Canadian journalism fund, thereby maintaining its relationship with news outlets.
Meta’s newer platform, Threads, does not currently appear to enforce the same level of content restrictions, and some video posts from journalists and media organizations are still accessible, particularly on Instagram. This approach has allowed some independent outlets and reporters to maintain a digital presence despite the official ban.
The ban particularly affects local journalism, like The Rover, which focuses on issues in Quebec and has experienced reduced engagement due to Meta’s restrictions. Nevertheless, some journalists are adapting by sharing behind-the-scenes content and personal commentary through video, offering audiences a glimpse into the reporting process. These efforts aim to rebuild trust and maintain engagement in a challenging media environment.
As the election nears, the role of social media in shaping public opinion continues to grow. While traditional news sources face access challenges, the rise of alternative media voices is redefining how Canadians receive political information
