Google has initiated a test by removing California news websites from certain search results, in response to a potential new law that would require the search engine to pay media companies for linking to their content. The company started this test as a way to measure the impact of the proposed legislation on user experience. Google also announced a halt on new investments in the California news industry, including partnership initiatives with news organizations and product licensing programs.
The bill under consideration would mandate tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft to allocate a percentage of advertising revenue to media companies for linking to their content, with a panel of judges determining the fee through arbitration. California Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, the bill’s author, highlighted the loss of over 100 news organizations in the state over the past decade, emphasizing the importance of passing the legislation to support journalism and prevent further decline. Despite opposition and lobbying efforts from major tech companies, the bill received bipartisan support in the state Assembly and now awaits approval from the California Senate.
Wicks expressed determination to negotiate with Google and other stakeholders to ensure a brighter future for California journalists and maintain the integrity of democracy. The passage of this bill holds significance in addressing the challenges faced by the journalism industry in California and could potentially set a precedent for other states looking to regulate tech companies’ relationships with media organizations. The outcome of this legislation is eagerly awaited, as it could reshape the dynamics of news content distribution on digital platforms.