Google has begun removing California news websites from some people’s search results as a test in response to a bill that would require tech giants to pay media companies for linking to their content. The bill aims to stop the loss of journalism jobs, which have been disappearing rapidly in the digital age. The state Assembly passed the bill last year, and the California Senate would need to pass it later this year for it to become law. Supporters believe the legislation would level the playing field between news publishers and digital platforms like Google. However, opponents, including Google, argue that the bill would primarily benefit out-of-state newspaper chains and hedge funds.
Google’s decision to temporarily remove news links is not new, as tech giants have used similar tactics in other countries to push back on legislation aimed at promoting journalism. Despite threats from Google and Meta, who own Facebook and Instagram, news publishers fear that they may have to lay off more journalists if Google completely blocks their content. Experts also believe that Google would take a financial hit without news content, as links to news websites generate traffic and ad revenue for publishers. The wrangling over Google’s search engine dominance occurs amidst legal challenges that could potentially undermine the company’s internet empire.
Google’s search engine is viewed as the biggest newsstand on Earth, connecting users to news websites over 24 billion times per month. Google’s vice president of news emphasized the value that news content provides to publishers through the generation of ad revenue and new subscribers. The company has made significant investments in supporting local journalism, including financial grants and training programs for local publications. Google had previously threatened to block content in Canada over similar legislation but later agreed to pay millions of dollars to the news industry.
The legislation in California seeks to ensure that tech companies pay for the content they repurpose, leading to negotiations between lawmakers, Google, and other stakeholders. The bill’s author, Democratic Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, emphasizes the importance of securing a brighter future for California journalists and preserving democracy’s access to information. As the battle over Google’s influence on news distribution continues, lawmakers in California are also exploring additional initiatives to support local journalism, such as tax credits for news organizations and partnerships with journalism schools. The outcome of the ongoing legal challenges against Google could have significant implications for the company’s operations in the future.
