Melbourne-based news outlet The Australia Today recently encountered a ban on its Facebook and Instagram pages in Canada. Despite this setback, the platform remains steadfast in its mission to deliver stories about Australia’s multicultural communities and the global Indian diaspora.
Continued Commitment to Multicultural Reporting
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), The Australia Today reassured its readers:
“We remain committed to bringing diverse Australian multicultural stories and global Indian Diaspora perspectives to our readers. We look forward to continued engagement with our Canadian audience through accessible channels beyond Meta platforms.”
The outlet emphasized the importance of keeping news content barrier-free and accessible for all.
Allegations of Selective Blocking
The Australia Today noted that while its pages were banned, another outlet allegedly promoting anti-India narratives and Khalistan propaganda remains active on Meta platforms in Canada. The team highlighted that they received no formal communication from Meta regarding the restrictions.
Link to EAM Jaishankar’s Interview
The outlet suspects the ban came shortly after publishing an interview with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The interview followed a press conference where Dr. Jaishankar criticized Canada for its unsubstantiated allegations against India and condemned the political space given to anti-India elements in Canada.
Canada’s Hypocrisy on Free Speech?
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has called out Canada for its contradictory stance on freedom of speech. The MEA stated that the ban on The Australia Today reveals Canada’s selective approach to censorship, especially when critical voices are involved.
What’s Next?
The Australia Today remains optimistic about reaching its audience through alternative channels while urging stakeholders to ensure unrestricted access to important news content. This commitment underscores the growing tension in Canada-India relations amidst evolving media landscapes.