Google has announced it will no longer link to New Zealand news content if legislation mandating tech firms to pay local outlets is passed. This decision follows the New Zealand government's July announcement that it intended to introduce a bill obliging revenue-sharing from news content displayed, despite opposing similar measures previously. Google's New Zealand Country Director, Caroline Rainsford, stated the company would "stop linking to news content on Google Search, Google News, or Discover surfaces" if the law is enacted.
The push for legislative change was prompted by significant job reductions in the country's media sector. The law intends to prevent advertising revenue derived from New Zealand's news industry from leaving the country. The News Publishers' Association criticized Google's action as threats, saying that the government should be able to "strengthen democracy" without corporate coercion.
Globally, similar laws influenced Google to amend its relations with media in countries like Australia and Canada. In 2021, Australia enforced a similar statute resulting in deals worth millions for local media, although renegotiations are ongoing. Meanwhile, Google pledged financial support in Canada while similar laws were approached. Media expert Colin Peacock noted that Google, keen to avoid negative international headlines, has financially supported New Zealand outlets, though some recipients have described the contributions as insufficient. New Zealand's Media and Communications Minister, Paul Goldsmith, confirmed ongoing consultations with Google concerning the impending legislation, aiming for enactment by year-end. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)