OTTAWA, June 7 (Reuters) - Alphabet's Google (GOOGL.O) and Meta Platforms (META.O) are using "bullying tactics" against a Canadian push aimed at ensuring financial support for news publishers, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday.
The proposed legislation is designed to compel internet giants like Google and Meta's Facebook to negotiate commercial deals and pay publishers for their content.
The U.S. firms say proposals in the bill, dubbed the "Online News Act," are unsustainable for their businesses.
The legislation passed Canada's House of Commons in December and is in the unelected upper chamber of the parliament, which rarely blocks legislation cleared by the lower house.
"The various internet giants like Meta are posting every year record profits while at the same time local independent news is struggling across this country," Trudeau said.
Persons:
Justin Trudeau, Trudeau, Shay Purdy, Meta, Ismail Shakil, David Ljunggren, Daniel Wallis
Organizations:
OTTAWA, Google, Facebook, Commons, Meta, Thomson
Locations:
U.S, Canada, Ottawa, Australia, Europe