Canadian News Community Supports Google Concern About Ad Revenue Distribution Law

JAKARTA - The Canadian News Industry Association supports some of Google's concerns about the new law aimed at getting big internet companies to share ad revenues with news publishers in the country.

News Media Canada (NMC), which represents Canada's leading newspapers, including the Globe and Mail and Toronto Star, states that Google has raised "legitimate concerns" that the Canadian government must address in formulating regulations to implement the law.

The law on Online News, which is part of a global trend for internet companies to pay news publishers, was passed by Canadian parliament in June. The Canadian government is now formulating regulations expected to be released on December 19.

In September, Canada had tried to respond to the concerns of the legal-related technology company by releasing draft rules. However, Google and Meta Platforms are not completely satisfied with these measures.

Google has expressed concerns regarding the law that makes links to the news the basis for payments and says that proposed regulations do not address issues such as imposing obligations that may not be limited to companies and restrictions on support that can be given to the news industry.

NMC, which represents Canadian news companies, is showing approval with Google in the event that there is a need for restrictions on financial obligations and willingness to accept non-financial measures such as training and products as part of remuneration.

The Canadian government will review the suggestions received during public consultations on draft regulations drawn up. In a statement, Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge stated, "We will continue to communicate with parties who have questions or concerns, including technology companies."

Google in its delivery during the consultation stated, "Although the government has publicly expressed confidence that our concerns can be resolved through a regulatory process, unfortunately the draft regulations are not sufficient to address the critical structural problems contained in the Act."

Google also revealed that by creating links to news sites as a payment basis, the law fails to recognize that the public's ability to freely find and share links to news content online is essential for freedom of expression, access to information, press freedom, and the skills of informed citizens.