https://news.yahoo.com/microsoft-seeks-fill-void-google-020046084.html
In recent weeks Australia has drawn up and is considering a law that will require search engines/social media to compensate local media outlets for content when clicked on through the engine or social media page. The law would require Google and Facebook to create a commercial deal with news organizations or if there is a failure to agree on the payment amount, enter mandatory arbitration.
As a response to the law, Google has threatened to stop its services in Australia, and Facebook has stated it could block Australian users from sharing local news on its platform. Google's threat seems mostly baseless, as they would still profit in Australia, regardless of any extra fees they would need to pay.
While this cumbersome law is being developed, I think they are ignoring unintended consequences, Google could just buy out a local news firm or create one in Australia and only post that content, which would diminish the money/recognition that other news outlets receive from the clicks they get from social media platforms and recommended content from search engines. If Google were to remove their search engine, Australians would not be happy with their leadership too, as Google is the most utilized engine in the world (good luck with Bing).
Overall, while the cause is 'just', trying to provide more money to the journalism/news industry, it will most likely negatively impact the industry, and make it harder for journalists and news sources to get their articles to the public if Google and Facebook choose to restrict their content on the basis of having to pay them to host their content.
- Mason Meiring
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