Google to pay Canadian publishers $73.6 million annually and keep news in search results

Google to pay Canadian publishers $73.6 million annually and keep news in search results،

Earlier this year, tech giants Google and Meta found themselves embroiled in a Canadian standoff over Bill C-18, also known as the Online Information Act. The legislation sought to make both companies pay for displaying links to news content, prompting Google to consider blocking news on its platform. The conflict has since been resolved, with Google and Canada reaching a mutual agreement.

As reported Reuters, the two sides struck a deal to ensure news remains in search results, with Google agreeing to make an annual payment of C$100 million ($73.6 million) to the country’s news publishers. The deal effectively addresses Google’s concerns about Canada’s Online News Act, designed to force large Internet companies to share advertising revenue with local news publishers.

The Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pascale St-Onge, went to X to share the news.

Additionally, instead of engaging in individual negotiations with publishers for payment, Google now has the option to collaborate with a single collective to distribute its contribution among all eligible news businesses based on the number of equivalent journalists full-time employed by these entities, as explained. by the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pascale St-Onge.

Google’s president of global affairs, Kent Walker, said he was pleased with the Canadian government’s commitment to resolving the fundamental issues raised by Bill C-18. In a statementWalker asserted, “As we work with the government through the exemption process based on regulations that will be released shortly, we will continue to send valuable traffic to Canadian publishers..”

On the other hand, Meta, the other Internet giant under the control of the law, has already adopted a different position. He has blocked information sharing on Facebook and Instagram, citing concerns about the legislation, and remains steadfast in his refusal to negotiate with the Canadian government.

The Online News Act, part of a global movement holding internet giants accountable for paying for news, was passed in June by the Canadian government. Finalization of the regulations is underway, with publication expected by the December 19 deadline.