Montreal: Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is under fire for blocking news links in Canada during a critical time when thousands are evacuating their homes due to raging wildfires. This move has been criticized for potentially endangering lives, as people are desperate for accurate updates that were once widely shared on the platform.

As wildfires advance, nearly 20,000 residents of Yellowknife and other towns in the Northwest Territories have been ordered to evacuate. However, finding trustworthy information about the fires has become extremely difficult due to the news links block imposed by Meta.

The company's decision to block news links and articles on its Facebook and Instagram platforms was in response to a new law that requires digital giants to pay publishers for news content. While the law won't take effect until next year, Meta decided to enforce the block on news distribution starting August 1.

The law, inspired by similar legislation in Australia, aims to support the struggling Canadian news sector by compelling companies like Meta and Google to strike fair deals with Canadian news outlets for the news shared on their platforms. If companies fail to comply, they could face binding arbitration.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized Meta for prioritizing corporate profits over public safety, particularly in situations like wildfires where accurate information is crucial. About 80% of online advertising revenues in Canada go to Meta and Google.

News outlets and broadcasters, including the public broadcaster CBC, have urged Meta to reverse the news block, emphasizing the urgent need for reliable information during emergencies. As more than 1,000 wildfires continue to ravage Canada, access to trustworthy and up-to-date information is seen as a matter of life and death.

While Meta has not responded to requests for comment, it encouraged Canadians to use the "Safety Check" function on Facebook to update their status and inform others about their safety.

Experts and commentators have criticized Meta's stance, calling it a matter of public safety and urging the company to reconsider its decision. Many believe that negotiations between the Canadian government and digital giants like Meta will eventually lead to a solution that addresses both concerns.