Google has threatened to withdraw its site from Australia if the country adopts a specific law. Facebook also threatens to change users’ news feeds so they don’t have news if the code passes. Basically, technology giants would be forced to negotiate with individual news companies in exchange for using their content. An independent arbitrator would be appointed to “ultimately decide the amount of the payment if no agreement can be reached”. So, Google’s brain decided it could end up pulling the service out, instead of having to deal with the prospect of making money. It is a stinging situation due to the relative closeness of other discussions about the power that these corporations have over their users. But, as it is, the company has not indicated that it intends to move. In turn, Australia is fine with both results and draws a line in the sand.
What are Australia’s new laws? 👇
Australia introduces laws requiring technology giants like Google and Facebook to negotiate payments with local publishers and broadcasters for news content pic.twitter.com/8BiLa1fbFQ– Reuters (@Reuters) January 22, 2021
The Guardian reported the case and received comments. “The principle of unrestricted linking between websites is fundamental to search and coupled with the unmanageable financial and operational risk if this version of the code became law, it would not give us a real choice but to stop making Google Search available in Australia. Withdrawing our services from Australia is the last thing Google wants to happen, especially when there is another way to go, ”said Mel Silva, Google’s CEO in Australia.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison was not about to be handed over by Google. He responded to this statement by putting his foot down. Morrison wanted to make it clear that Australia will not be attacked by any of the big tech giants.
He explained: “Let me be clear. Australia sets our rules for the things you can do in Australia. That is what is being done in our parliament. It is made by our government. And that’s how things work here in Australia, and people who want to work with that in Australia, you’re welcome. But we do not respond to threats. ”
Do you think Google has a point? Or is Australia right? Tell us in the comments!