Google is blocking some Canadian users from viewing news content. The move by the tech giant is part of a test intended to inform the search engine’s response to the Canadian government's online news bill.

Google said the tests affect about 4% of Canadian users who use the world’s most popular search engine. The test will run for about five weeks. 

Why did Google block news content?

• At issue is Bill C-18, or the Online News Act. The legislation would require big tech firms like Facebook and Google to negotiate deals that would compensate Canadian media companies for posting news content on their platforms. 
• Goggle has long battled Canada over the online news bill. 

In 2021 the digital giants had resisted legislation which forced them to negotiate with Australian news outlets over payment for the content which appeared on their platforms.

• Google and Facebook had called the rules unfair and said they would force them to limit their offerings in the country. However, the tech giants had to acquiesce in the decision of the Australian government. 

Key takeaways

• Google has blocking some four percent Canadian users from viewing news content on the platform.
• It comes in response to Bill C-18, or the Online News Act which would make tech giants pay for news content on their platforms.
• The news code encourages tech giants and news organisations to negotiate payment deals between themselves 
• In 2021 the digital giants had resisted legislation which forced them to negotiate with Australian news outlets over payment for the content which appeared on their platforms.
• Facebook is owned by Meta.