As independent media, we see this move by Meta as a gangster tactic. We understand the need for certain news organizations to be monetized and fully support whatever means they employ to financially support their newsrooms whether it be via subscription or paywall or printed copy revenue. But Meta has been emboldened by our Supreme Court in a recent ruling on Section 230 that kept in place the provisions that allow for social media platforms to control what they feel is proper on their platforms so paying for content does not fit in their amended business model.In addition, the media in Canada operates in total lockstep with the government so that is also a major consideration as it is with ALL Commonwealth countries.The reference to Austrailia echoes that point. But has Facebook ever really mastered the local news cycle? Besides local community forums catering to targeted groups, all of their forays into news have accomplished little in harnessing their massive reach effectively and we hardly use them in our disseminations other than to prove usage and for trademark protections. Food for thought.