Qlub petition calls on Quebec government to leave global social networks

Tashi Farmilo

Qlub, a Quebec-developed platform focused on local information and communities, has launched a public petition asking the government to withdraw from international platforms such as X, Facebook and Instagram.

The petition calls on the Quebec government to move its official communications away from foreign-owned social media services and instead prioritize digital platforms developed in the province. Organizers say the shift would help strengthen Quebec’s media ecosystem and support locally built technology.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and X are widely used by governments, public agencies and municipalities to share announcements, public notices and emergency information. The petition argues that relying on those platforms directs advertising revenue and audience attention toward large international technology companies rather than local media organizations.

Qlub describes itself as a Quebec-based social network designed to connect citizens, organizations and media around local news and community information. The platform says it displays posts in chronological order rather than using algorithm-driven feeds.

The company says the initiative is part of a broader effort to promote what it calls digital sovereignty, encouraging governments and public institutions to maintain greater control over digital communications and data within Quebec.

“The government continues to feed the ogre that impoverishes our culture and our local information by capturing the advertising revenues necessary for the survival of our local media,” said Philippe Larose Cadieux, chief executive and co-founder of Qlub.

“Public institutions should set an example by favouring local and sovereign communication platforms that support the long-term viability of Quebec’s media ecosystem,” he added, saying those revenues are essential for news organizations to continue informing citizens.

The petition is available online at https://site.qlub.social/petition-gouvernement-du-quebec/