Sacramento, California – Google has initiated a controversial test in California by removing certain news websites from search results in response to a potential new law requiring the search engine to compensate media companies for linking to their content. This move has sparked discussions about the impact such legislation could have on the relationship between tech giants and the news industry.
According to a blog post by Google, the test is being conducted on a small percentage of users to assess how the proposed legislation would affect the search engine’s functionality. The company has also announced a halt to new investments in the California news sector, including collaboration initiatives with news organizations and product licensing programs.
Jaffer Zaidi, Google’s vice president for global news partnerships, expressed concerns about the bill’s implications, emphasizing the role of search engines in helping publishers reach wider audiences free of charge. The proposed legislation would require tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft to share a portion of their advertising revenue with media companies for linking to their content, with a fee determined through an arbitration process.
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, the bill’s author, highlighted the decline of over 100 news organizations in California over the past decade and emphasized the importance of the legislation in preserving journalism. She emphasized the ongoing negotiations with Google and other stakeholders to support the state’s journalists and uphold democratic values.
Despite facing opposition and lobbying efforts from major tech firms, the bill received bipartisan support in the state Assembly last year. Its fate now rests on the California Senate, where a decision on its passage is expected later this year.
As the debate over the intersection of technology and media continues, the outcome of this legislative proposal could have far-reaching implications for the future of news consumption and distribution in California and beyond.