Google has announced that it will block Canadian news articles from its search engine and other services in response to a new law that would require tech companies to pay publishers for content. This move comes after Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, also vowed to blackout Canadian publishers on its platforms, stating that the law is “fundamentally flawed”.
The Canadian government passed the Online News Act last week, which aims to compel tech companies to negotiate compensation deals with news organizations for distributing links to news stories. Google and Meta have been engaged in a battle with the Canadian government over this law, arguing that they already drive web traffic to news sites and should not be forced to pay.
Supporters of the legislation argue that it could provide much-needed support to the struggling news industry, which has seen the closure of over 450 news outlets in Canada since 2008. They claim that digital platforms and social media have gained control over advertising revenues, diverting them away from local news organizations.
According to government estimates, the new law could inject around $329 million into the Canadian news industry, which has been grappling with layoffs and downsizing in recent years.
Canada’s Online News Act was modeled after a similar effort in Australia, where Meta and Google initially blocked news articles before eventually striking deals with news publishers after tense negotiations. This approach has sparked a bill in California, where tech companies have also threatened to pull out all news content if forced to pay publishers.
While major publishers in Canada support the new law, some media observers and tech writers have expressed concerns. Casey Newton, a tech writer, argues that a tax on displaying links could “effectively break the internet” if applied to the entire web. Critics have also questioned the lack of transparency regarding who will receive compensation from tech companies and raised concerns about potential system manipulation by disinformation sites.
Press advocates warn that blocking news articles in response to the new law could have a detrimental effect on civil society and the public’s access to credible journalism. Liz Woolery, who leads digital policy at PEN America, an organization that supports freedom of expression, expressed disappointment at Google and Meta’s decision. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring public access to news, especially in the face of increasing disinformation.
In conclusion, Google’s decision to block Canadian news articles in response to the new law reflects the ongoing battle between tech companies and the Canadian government. While supporters believe the law will provide much-needed support to the news industry, critics raise concerns about potential implications for the internet and lack of transparency. The impact on civil society and the public’s access to credible journalism remains a significant concern.
First reported on NPR
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