How to Access News on Google and Social Media in Canada

The Canadian Online News Act has prompted Meta and Google to block Canadian news in the country. The bill forces social media platforms and search engines to compensate local news companies for any stories that are displayed on their services. In response, both Meta and Google have resolved to simply block news links for Canadian users.

To overcome these restrictions, I've created a simple guide to help you keep accessing Canadian news using a VPN. In just 3 easy steps, you can unblock news on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Google to stay informed. Additionally, after testing over 25 services, my team and I have narrowed down the top 3 most effective VPNs for Canada.

Why You Need a VPN to Access News on Google and Social Media in Canada

Canada's Bill C-18 makes sites like Google and Meta pay Canadian news outlets for story links that are shared on their various services. Its purpose is to help struggling news companies regain lost revenue due to users reading their news through social media or Google, without ever visiting or subscribing to the news website itself. However, Google and Meta have decided to block Canadian news sources for Canadian users in response. Sites can do this by checking your IP address to see if you’re in Canada.

The good news is that you can easily regain access to your favorite Canadian news with a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN allows you to disguise your location by directing your internet traffic through a server in another country before it reaches any site. This lets you borrow an IP address from that country, creating the impression that you're browsing from a different region.

When you access Google or one of Meta’s social media sites with this new IP address, the sites won’t be able to see that you’re in Canada. So, both social media feeds and search results will start displaying links to Canadian news sources again.

That said, not all VPNs are suitable for this task, as some can accidentally reveal your true location by leaking your IP address or DNS requests. To assist you, I've tested multiple VPNs and compiled a list of reliable options for use in Canada, which you can find below.

FAQs on Accessing News on Google and Social Media in Canada With a VPN

What’s Bill C-18?

Bill C-18, also known as the Online News Act in Canada, is a set of rules affecting Canadian news outlets. It passed on June 22 2023 and forces companies like Meta and Google to pay to share links to Canadian news websites. Because of this, both companies have decided to block Canadian users from seeing Canadian news posts on their platforms. Luckily, you can still see the news by connecting to a VPN server outside of Canada.

It’s thought that Bill C-18 is based on a similar law passed by the Australian government in 2020 (the News Media Bargaining Code or NMBC). In that case, Meta also responded by blocking Australian news links for Australian users on its social media sites. However, both Meta and Google quickly reached deals with a number of local news outlets. This allowed such outlets to link their posts on these platforms once more, without being blocked.

Can I access international news on Google and social media while in Canada?

Yes, Bill C-18 only applies to Canadian news outlets. So Facebook, Threads, Instagram, and Google will still show Canadian users links to international news sources, like the BBC, The Guardian, or The New York Times (even if the story is about Canada). That said, you’ll need a VPN to see news from local sources on Google and Meta-run social media.

Where is Google removing Canadian news?

From search results, the news tab, and Discover products (when they’re accessed from within Canada). It’s likely snippets from Canadian outlets will no longer be featured, and Google News Showcase will also no longer appear in Canada. You’ll still be able to visit Canadian news websites directly but you’ll need a VPN if you want Canadian news sources to show up in your Google searches and apps.

Can I share news stories on Instagram in Canada?

Instagram will prevent users from sharing stories from Canadian outlets. This allows its parent company, Meta, to avoid paying the required compensation to Canadian news companies. You can get around this restriction by using a quality VPN. When you connect to a VPN server in another country, Instagram will think you’re in that country — so it won’t block you from sharing Canadian news links (though others in Canada might still not be able to see them).

Does the Canadian news ban affect people in other countries?

No, the Canadian news ban only affects people within Canada. Google and Meta users in other countries should still see Canadian news links in their search results and feeds. That’s why you can use a VPN to see Canadian news on social media or in Google searches from Canada — it’s just a matter of making Google or Meta think you’re not in the country.

Will a free VPN work for accessing news in Canada?

It’s not recommended. Most free VPNs come with limitations such as tiny server networks, slow speeds, or tight data caps — making them less suitable for browsing the news on social media and Google. Paid VPN services with a money-back guarantee are much more reliable.

Additionally, many free VPNs are dangerous to use. Some of them sneakily log your online activity, while others are traps embedded with malware.

Access News on Google and Social Media in Canada With a VPN in Minutes

You can avoid the repercussions of the Canadian Online News Act by using a VPN. VPNs let you borrow an IP address from outside Canada, so Google and Meta won’t block your access to links from Canadian news sources.