Google threatens Australia pullout in row over news content

January 22, 2021

Google has threatened to stop Australians from using its search engine if the country passes a law to force tech giants to pay local media outlets for news content.

https://p.dw.com/p/3oHja

Google has threatened to block its services in Australia if the country proceeds with plans to make tech companies pay to use local news content.
The government is set to bow to pressure from media firms who say a new law is needed to stop the search giant and Facebook from using their reports for free.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison slammed the tech giants, insisting the country wouldn't "respond to threats."
Google's warning came just a day after Google reached a content-payment deal with French news publishers worth 1 billion euros over the next three years.
Google insisted it was ready to pay for content but not at the level being pushed by some ministers.