23.1 C
Dubai
Thursday, November 28, 2024
spot_img

Google blocks Canadian local news, world news over media law

[ad_1]

Canadian media outlets are bracing for a major setback, with Google announcing Thursday that it would remove news generated in the country from its Search and News and other platforms following controversial legislation in Ottawa.

(AFP)

The Online News Act became law last week, and on Thursday Google and Alphabet President of Global Affairs Kent Walker said the bill “doesn’t work” and that the tech giant has notified the Canadian government that once it comes into effect, “Unfortunately, we must remove the link to Canadian News from our Canadian Search, News and Discovery products.”

It will also revisit Google News Showcase, under which it has signed deals with nearly 150 Canadian publications.

“We’re disappointed that things have come to this. We don’t take this decision or its implications lightly, and believe it’s important to be transparent with Canadian publishers and our users early on,” Walker said in a statement released by Google. .

Google’s action follows Meta’s similar announcement last week, also involving the removal of Canadian news content from its platforms Facebook and Instagram. Meta has begun canceling deals with Canadian news outlets.

The main issue that has irritated the tech giants is that the law requires payment for links to news content displayed on their platforms. The Google statement added: “The unprecedented decision to price links (the so-called ‘link tax’) creates uncertainty for our product and exposes us to unlimited liability for the sole purpose of facilitating Canadians’ access to news from Canadian publishers. financial responsibility.”

Ottawa appears unwilling to compromise. After Google’s announcement, Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez tweeted: “Big Tech would rather spend money changing their platforms to block news from Canadians than Pay a fraction of their billions in ad revenue. Canadians don’t get bullied. Big Tech isn’t bigger than Canada.”

Critics of the legislation had warned of such an outcome. University of Ottawa law professor Michael Geist, one of them, tweeted Thursday that the blame rests “entirely” with Rodriguez for not taking “flawed” legislation “seriously” risks of”.

There may still be a window of understanding, however, as Google will continue to be involved in discussions as the government finalizes the regulatory structure to implement the terms of the bill. “We hope the government can chart a viable path forward,” Google said.

[ad_2]

Source link

Related Articles

EU Strengthens Financial Oversight: New Regulations to Enhance Transparency and Combat Money Laundering

EU is moving towards implementing tighter financial regulations, reflecting a growing emphasis on improving transparency and combatting illicit financial activities. This push for stricter oversight...

PM Modi Strengthens Global Ties: Successful Three-Nation Tour Boosts India’s International Influence.

PM Modi Triumphant Return: Strengthening Global Ties with Successful Three-Nation Tour covering Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana. Prime Minister Narendra PM Modi has returned to India...

Chile Leads the Way in Green Energy: Solar and Wind Power Now Generate 44% of the Nation’s Electricity

Chile has taken a significant leap forward in its pursuit of sustainability, with solar and wind power now generating 44% of the nation’s electricity. This...

UAE Operation ‘Chivalrous Knight 3’: Over 121 Aid Shipments Delivered to Gaza Amid Humanitarian Efforts

UAE has reinforced its dedication to humanitarian relief through the ongoing effort known as Operation ‘Chivalrous Knight 3.’   This initiative has seen the UAE dispatch...

BRICS+ Set to Outpace G7 by 2026: A New Era of Economic Power and Global Influence

BRICS+ group, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, alongside a handful of newly integrated nations, is on the brink of a...

Latest Articles