Google has warned it may remove links to New Zealand news sites if the country’s proposed Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill is passed. The law aims to compensate publishers for their content, but Google claims it could harm both the company and local news organizations.
The tech giant’s New Zealand director labeled the proposed legislation as a “link tax,” stating Google would stop linking to news content on its platforms, including Google search and Google News, if it passes in its current form.
This would also end existing agreements with New Zealand publishers. Google argues that similar laws in Australia and Canada led to platforms pulling away from news content, negatively impacting journalism instead of supporting it.
Critics of Google’s stance say removing links would hurt both local news outlets, especially smaller ones dependent on search traffic, and New Zealand audiences who rely on these sources for information.
Meanwhile, the country’s Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith acknowledged Google’s concerns and confirmed that consultations are ongoing.
Government estimates suggest the bill could generate over $30 million for the country’s media industry.
