Google says to block search engine in Australia if forced to pay for news


FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: An illuminated Google logo is seen inside an office building in Zurich, Switzerland December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's Google said on Friday it would block its search engine in Australia if the government proceeds with a new code that would force it and Facebook Inc to pay media companies for the right to use their content.

Google's threat escalates a battle with publishers such as News Corp that is being closely watched around the world. The search giant had warned that its 19 million Australian users would face degraded search and YouTube experiences if the new code were enforced.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Tech News

Google disrupts large residential proxy network, reducing devices used by operators by 'millions'
Bumble, Match, Panera Bread and CrunchBase hit by cyberattacks, Bloomberg News reports
Samsung sees strong AI demand after profit triples to record high
ServiceNow projects annual subscription revenue above estimates, signals AI strength
IBM beats fourth-quarter revenue estimates as AI clamor boosts software demand
Tesla invests $2 billion in Musk's xAI and reiterates Cybercab production starts this year
Meta boosts annual capex sharply on superintelligence push, shares surge
Microsoft capital spending jumps, revenue fails to impress, shares drop after hours
US robotaxi group Waymo aims to launch in London by fourth quarter of 2026
Exclusive-White House set to meet with banks, crypto companies to broker legislation compromise

Others Also Read