Google says it will stop linking to New Zealand news if proposed new law passed

FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: The logo for Google is seen at a Google store in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., November 17, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Google said on Friday it will stop linking to New Zealand news articles and ditch the agreements it has with local news organisations, if the country’s government goes ahead with a law to force tech giants to pay a fair price for content that appears on their feeds.

The New Zealand government in July confirmed it would progress legislation started by the previous Labour Party-led government that ensures fair revenue sharing between operators of digital platforms and news media entities. The proposed legislation is still in review and is likely to see changes including some to bring it more in line with Australian legislation.