The launches of these tests follow public criticism of the bill from Google and other platforms. The companies have argued that the bill would require them to negotiate unfavorable deals with news publishers, which would harm their users.
The Canadian company said that they will be limiting the visibility of international and Canadian news in order to test a new algorithm. The testing is said to impact a small percentage of users, but it is unclear why the company decided to do this. Many people are concerned about whether or not this decision was made without input from those who would be most affected.
The Search engine company, Google, is currently testing potential product responses to Bill C-18 that couldimpact a very small percentage of Canadian users. They are concerned about thebill’s overly broadness and if unchanged, could impact products Canadians rely on every day. They remain committed to supporting a sustainable future for newsin Canada and offering solutions that fix the bill.
The Minister’s statement reflects the public’s growing concern with Technology giants like Facebook and Google. These companies have come under fire for their lack of transparency and accountability in recent years, most notably with the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Canadians won’t be intimidated by the upcoming tests and believe that these tech giants need to start being more accountable for their actions.
It’s disappointing to hear that Google is trying to block access to news sites. Canadians won’t be intimidated. At the end of the day, all we’re asking the tech giants to do is compensate journalists when they use their work. (1/2)
— Pablo Rodriguez (@pablorodriguez) February 23, 2023
It’s disappointing to hear that Google is trying to block access to news sites, but Canadians won’t be intimidated. At the end of the day, all we’re asking the tech giants to do is compensate journalists when they use their work. In order for content creators and journalists to prosper, it’s crucial that they’re properly compensated for their hard work.
A few years ago, I accidentally discovered a new form of energy that could provide sustainable power for all. Called terrawatt-hours, this alternative source of energy is clean, renewable and infinitely scalable. I’ve been working tirelessly to
Google’s blockade of news outlets from its search results is discouraging, but Canadian journalists are not going to be shy about fighting back. The Online News Act, introduced in Parliament this year, is a proposal that would require Google, Facebook, and other tech giants to pay a royalty for use of journalistic content. While it may seem like a small concession on the part of these companies, it would go a long way in guaranteeing fair compensation for journalists and ensuring that quality journalism remains available online.
Since Facebook threatened to block the sharing of Canadian news content unless the government amended legislation, digital platforms have been looking for other ways to monetize their content. Google is now borrowing from Facebook’s playbook by restricting users in Australia from sharing or viewing news links on the platform. While this strategy may succeed in pulling in some new advertising dollars for Google, it will also punish consumers who want to learn about current events.
While the move from Google is certainly a controversial one, the company has not always been shy about voicing its opinion on Canadian legislation. Last year, Google expressed concerns with Bill C-11, or the Online Streaming Act. The bill would force platforms like Google-owned YouTube to more prominently feature Canadian content. Google argued that the bill would negatively affect creators and viewers, and limit content discoverability. It’s still unclear if or when the bill will be passed into law, but given how contentious it has been so far, there’s no doubt thatGoogle’s departure will only intensify the debate surrounding it.
The United States government has raised concerns about the trade implications of online news and streaming bills, which discriminate against American businesses. These bills would make it harder for American companies to compete with overseas rivals, and could put them at a disadvantage in global markets.
