In his commentary, Ricky Sutton addresses the recent negotiations between Meta and the Canadian government regarding compensation for news content. After two and a half years of barring news from its platform, Meta's Canadian policy head, Rachel Curran, expressed enthusiasm about potentially restoring news content. However, Sutton points out that the proposed deal comes with significant strings attached: Meta intends to pay only for the news it selects for the purpose of training its AI, effectively limiting the scope of the agreement and undermining broader support for the news industry.

Sutton highlights the problematic nature of Meta's strategy, which not only aims to control the narrative around news selection but also seeks to leverage its negotiating power to persuade the Canadian government to repeal the Online News Act. This act mandates that tech giants compensate publishers for their content, an initiative designed to support journalism in Canada. By offering a deal that prioritizes its own needs, rather than the needs of Canadian publishers, Meta is framing a model that could ultimately threaten the viability of independent news organizations across the country.

The implications of this negotiation extend beyond the relationship between Meta and the Canadian publishers. If Meta succeeds in convincing the government to repeal the Online News Act, it could set a dangerous precedent that other countries may follow, potentially undermining the policies designed to ensure fair compensation for digital news content globally. Sutton's call for vigilance against Meta's 'mobster' tactics serves as a warning for both media outlets and policymakers to consider the long-term consequences of such negotiations.