Faced with possibly paying for news, Google removes links to California news sites for some users
By ADAM BEAM and TRÂN NGUYỄN
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Google is removing California news websites from some users’ search results. The move is widely seen as a protest over pending legislation requiring the search giant and other tech companies to pay news organizations for linking to their content. Google calls it a “short-term test” and says it also would pause new investments in the California news industry. Supporters of the bill say it would provide a “lifeline” to local news organizations that have struggled to stay afloat in the digital era. Google and other tech companies like Meta say the bill would favor out-of-state chains and hedge funds and further decimate local news organizations.