Google has threatened to withdraw its site from Australia if the country passes a specific law. Facebook also threatens to alter users ’news feeds by not having news if the code passes. Basically, tech giants would be forced to negotiate with individual news companies in exchange for using their content. An independent arbitrator would be appointed to “finally decide the amount of the payment if no agreement can be reached.” So Google’s brain confidence decided they could end up pulling out of the service completely instead of having to face the prospect of spending money. It is a thorny situation due to the relative proximity to other discussions about the power these companies have over their users. But as it stands, the company has not indicated that it intends to move. For its part, Australia is fine with either result and draws a line in the sand.
What are the new laws in Australia? 👇
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, together with the unmanageable financial and operational risk, if this version of the code became law, it would give us no choice but to make the Google’s search in Australia. Withdrawing our services from Australia is the last thing Google wants to happen, especially when there’s another way to go, “said Mel Silva, Google’s managing director in Australia.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison was not about to be taught by Google. He responded to this statement by putting his foot down. Morrison wanted to make it clear that Australia would not be harassed by any of the big technology giants.
He explained: “Let it be clear. Australia sets our rules on things you can do in Australia. This is done in our parliament. Our government does. And that’s how things work here in Australia and people who want to work there, in Australia, are very welcome. But we do not respond to threats. “
Do you think Google has a point? Or is Australia right? Let us know in the comments.