June 30, 2023
Google has announced that it will block Canadian news from its search engine and other products in the country in response to the new Online News Act that aims to make tech giants negotiate deals with news providers.
Google feels the regulation is “unworkable” in its current form and has offered changes. As a result, when the law takes effect in six months, it will remove connections to Canadian news from its Search, News, and Discover products in Canada.
It went on to say that it did not make the choice lightly and that it considered it was critical to be open and honest with Canadian publishers and users. Google stated that it intends to engage in the regulatory process and remain open with Canadians and publishers as it moves forward.
The Canadian government maintains that the bill is required “to improve fairness in the Canadian digital news market.” News Media Canada, which represents Canadian news organizations, likewise insists on a “viable path forward,” urging Google and other tech titans to “act in good faith” and participate fully in the regulatory process to ensure regulation is “balanced, predictable, and fair.”
The sources for this piece include an article in BBC.
