Google Threatens to Stop Linking to New Zealand News if Proposed Law Passed

Google has warned that it may stop linking to New Zealand news websites if a proposed new law requiring tech giants to pay for news content is passed.

 

Google Threat to Stop Linking to New Zealand News

The proposed law, which is currently being debated in the New Zealand Parliament, would require tech companies like Google and Facebook to negotiate fair payments with news publishers for displaying their content on their platforms.

Google has argued that the proposed law would stifle innovation and harm the news industry, as publishers would be less inclined to share their content with search engines if they have to pay for it. The company has also threatened to remove its search engine from New Zealand entirely if the law is passed.

Proposed New Law

The proposed law, known as the Media Bargaining Code, is designed to ensure that news publishers are fairly compensated for their work. It would require tech companies to enter into negotiations with news publishers to agree on fair prices for displaying their content. If no agreement can be reached, an independent arbitration panel would set the price.

Proponents of the law argue that it is necessary to level the playing field between tech companies and news publishers. They say that tech companies have been able to profit from the use of news content without fairly compensating the publishers.

Potential Impact on News Outlets

If Google were to stop linking to New Zealand news websites, it would have a significant impact on the reach and visibility of these outlets. Google is the dominant search engine in New Zealand, and a large portion of traffic to news websites comes from Google searches.

Some news outlets have expressed concern about the potential impact of Google's threat, while others have said that they are prepared to adapt to a world without Google links. The New Zealand government has said that it is committed to finding a solution that is fair to both tech companies and news publishers.

Google's Position

Google has argued that the proposed law is unfair and that it would harm the news industry. The company has said that it is already investing in news content through its Google News Showcase program and that it is committed to supporting journalism.

However, Google has also said that it is willing to walk away from New Zealand entirely if the law is passed. The company has threatened to remove its search engine from the country, which would have a major impact on internet users in New Zealand.

The proposed law is still under debate, and it is unclear whether it will be passed. However, the threat from Google highlights the growing tension between tech companies and news publishers over the use and value of news content.

Summary

• Google has threatened to stop linking to New Zealand news websites if a proposed new law requiring tech giants to pay for news content is passed.
• The proposed law, known as the Media Bargaining Code, is designed to ensure that news publishers are fairly compensated for their work.
• Google has argued that the law would stifle innovation and harm the news industry, as publishers would be less inclined to share their content with search engines if they have to pay for it.
• Proponents of the law argue that it is necessary to level the playing field between tech companies and news publishers.
• If Google were to stop linking to New Zealand news websites, it would have a significant impact on the reach and visibility of these outlets.
• The New Zealand government has said that it is committed to finding a solution that is fair to both tech companies and news publishers.