Google Threatens to Sever Ties with New Zealand News Amid Controversial Law: A Bold Stand in Tech News
Google has announced that it will cease linking to New Zealand news content and terminate agreements with local news organizations if the government enforces a new law. The pending legislation, continuing from previous efforts by the Labour Party-led government, aims to mandate fair revenue sharing between digital platforms and news media. Although still under review, the bill might incorporate changes inspired by similar Australian laws.
Caroline Rainsford, Google New Zealand’s Country Director, expressed concerns, indicating that the bill could force significant adjustments to Google’s products and operations in New Zealand. She argued that the legislation contradicts the concept of an open internet, potentially harming small publishers and introducing business uncertainty.
New Zealand’s Minister for Media and Communications, Paul Goldsmith, emphasized that the law is still in the consultation phase and noted ongoing discussions with Google. Despite opposition from the coalition partner ACT, the legislation is expected to gain sufficient cross-party support for enactment.
A similar law introduced in Australia in 2021, allowing the government to mandate content deals between tech companies and media outlets, was deemed successful in a subsequent 2022 review.
Original Story https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/will-stop-linking-to-new-zealand-news-if-proposed-new-law-passed-google-124100400152_1.html
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