Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, announced on Tuesday its decision to discontinue the “Facebook News” feature on its social media app in the UK, France, and Germany. This move is set to take effect later this year, signalling a significant shift in the company’s approach to news content.
Under the new changes, users in these countries will still be able to view links to news articles, ensuring access to European news publishers. Furthermore, the publishers will retain their Facebook accounts and pages despite the removal of the dedicated “Facebook News” feature. However, Meta Platforms clarified that it would no longer establish new commercial deals for news content on “Facebook News” in these regions. Additionally, the company will not be focusing on developing product innovations specifically tailored to news publishers in these countries.
Meta Platforms explained its reasoning behind this move, stating, “News makes up less than 3 percent of what people around the world see in their Facebook feed, so news discovery is a small part of the Facebook experience for the vast majority of people.” The company highlighted that its users primarily visit the platform to connect with others and explore different opportunities, rather than to gather news and political content.
Both Meta Platforms and other tech giants, such as Alphabet, have faced mounting pressure from lawmakers worldwide to share a higher percentage of their advertising revenue with news publishers. In response to new laws in Canada and Australia, Meta has been blocking news content on its Facebook and Instagram platforms. The aim of these laws is to compel internet giants to pay news publishers for the content shared on their platforms.
In its blog post, Meta Platforms positioned this decision as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its products and services. The firm stressed that while news discovery plays a minor role in user experience, it recognizes the importance of fostering connections and providing opportunities through its platform. By streamlining the features and content, Meta aims to deliver a more streamlined and user-centric experience for its global user base.
The discontinuation of the “Facebook News” feature in the UK, France, and Germany represents a significant change in Meta Platforms’ approach to news content. By shifting the focus away from news curation and commercial deals, the company aims to prioritize user connections and experiences. This decision comes amidst increasing pressure from lawmakers worldwide and highlights Meta’s commitment to improving its products and services. While news will still be accessible through links, the removal of the dedicated “Facebook News” feature marks a pivotal shift in the company’s priorities.
Leave a Reply