Analysis-When Facebook blocks news, studies show the political risks that follow

A warning that news stories cannot be seen on Facebook by users in Canada, a response by Meta to a new law requiring large internet companies to pay Canadian news publishers for their content, appears in a screenshot taken in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada April 5, 2024. Social Media Website/Handout via REUTERS

(Reuters) - Since Meta blocked links to news in Canada last August to avoid paying fees to media companies, right-wing meme producer Jeff Ballingall says he has seen a surge in clicks for his Canada Proud Facebook page.

"Our numbers are growing and we're reaching more and more people every day," said Ballingall, who publishes up to 10 posts a day and has some 540,000 followers.