Overview

• 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.