Google Threatens to Cut Ties with New Zealand News Over Proposed Payment Law

The tech giant warns it will halt linking to local news if New Zealand enacts legislation requiring payment for content.

Google announced it would stop linking to New Zealand news content if a law passes requiring tech companies to pay for news displayed on their platforms.
The proposed law aims to ensure revenue sharing between tech platforms and local media outlets, in response to job losses in the New Zealand media industry.
Google's New Zealand Country Director stated that the company currently provides millions of dollars annually to nearly 50 local publications.
Critics, including the News Publishers' Association, argue that Google's stance amounts to corporate bullying and misrepresents the proposed legislation.
Similar laws in Australia and Canada have led to initial pushback from tech companies, followed by negotiated agreements to support local news.