Google has started removing California news websites from some users’ search results as a test in response to a proposed state law that would require the tech giant to pay media companies for linking to their content. This move acts as a warning of what could happen if the California Legislature passes the bill.
The company announced the test in a blog post on Friday, stating that it would affect a small percentage of users and help measure the legislation’s impact on the user experience. Google also said it would pause new investments in the California news industry, including partnerships with news organizations and product licensing programs.
The proposed bill aims to address the rapid decline of journalism jobs in the digital age by requiring tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft to pay a percentage of advertising revenue to media companies for linking to their content. The amount would be determined through an arbitration process involving a panel of three judges.
Supporters argue that the legislation would level the playing field between news publishers and large digital platforms, providing a lifeline to local news organizations that have seen their advertising revenues plummet in recent decades. However, opponents, including Google and some independent newsrooms, call the bill a “link tax” that would primarily benefit out-of-state newspaper chains and hedge funds while further harming local news organizations.
The company’s search engine, which holds an estimated 90% market share, is seen as a crucial source of traffic for news websites.
Google’s decision to temporarily remove links to news websites is not a new tactic. Tech giants have used similar strategies when pushing back against public action in the past. Uber and Lyft recently threatened to cease operations in California after a court ruling.
The political wrangling over Google’s dominant search engine comes as the company faces legal troubles that could undermine its internet empire. The U.S. Justice Department has presented evidence alleging that Google has been abusing its power to stifle competition and innovation, with a federal judge expected to issue a decision later this year. Additionally, a federal jury recently concluded that Google had turned its Android app store into an illegal monopoly, limiting consumer choices and enriching the company through unfairly high commissions.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.