On Friday, the Canadian government urged Meta to ease its restrictions on local news on Facebook and Instagram so people can post information about wildfires in the country's west.

Why does Meta block local Canadian news?

In response to a new rule requiring internet companies to pay for news stories, the social media giant began blocking Canadian news on Facebook and Instagram earlier this month.

Some residents of the isolated northern town of Yellowknife who fled wildfires have complained to local media that the ban has made it difficult for them to share crucial information about the fires.

Heritage Minister Pascal St-Onge wrote on social media that Meta's reckless decision to suppress the news "harms access to critical information on Facebook and Instagram." And to ensure the safety of Canadians dealing with this disaster, "we urge them to turn the news back on." Now, more news is required, not less.

According to Reuters, in response, Andy Stone, a representative for Meta, said the company has launched a "Safety Check" tool on Facebook that enables users to tell others that they are safe after a crisis or natural disaster strikes.

The spokeswoman said Canadians can access content from official government organisations, emergency services and non-governmental organizations via Facebook and Instagram.

According to Meta, consumers do not use its platform to access news, and it would not be profitable for the company to pay for anything posted on its platforms.