Canadians support making Google and Facebook pay for news content

Eighty-two per cent of Canadians believe it’s time for the federal government to take action and force social media giants Google and Facebook to pay Canadian news publishers for their content, and ensure fair negotiations so that publishers get their share of online advertising revenue. As well, according to the poll, 70 per cent of Canadians now believe

Google and Facebook have become too powerful.

The findings come from a new poll conducted by Leger Opinion for News Media Canada.

The poll also shows that support for tough action spans the political spectrum. More than 80 per cent of supporters of the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP and the BQ believe it’s time for the federal government to act.

The broad support for action is driven by a concern that Canada’s news industry is in a precarious state. According to the poll, 62 per cent of Canadians are worried about the loss of Canadian news publishers. Asked why they are so concerned, 73 per cent fear a loss of reliable national news, while 63 per cent worry about a loss of reliable news and information about their community.

News Media Canada has issued a report, “Levelling the Digital Playing Field,” urging the Canadian government to act, using Australian legislation as the model. It would allow Canadian publishers to band together and negotiate collectively with Google and Facebook and would level penalties on the web giants if they don’t comply.