Sydney, January 22: Google threatened to block Australian users from accessing its search service unless the government changes proposed legislation to make the internet giant pay news outlets for their content.

According to a Reuters report, Australia is about to pass laws that would make the Big Tech giants negotiate payments with local publishers and broadcasters for content. If they can't strike a deal, a government-appointed arbitrator will then decide the price. Google Blocks Australian News from Local Users; 'Part of Experiment,' Says US Tech Giant.

Google Threatens to Block Australian users from accessing its search service:

Australia announced the legislation last month after an investigation found that Google and Facebook held too much market power in the media industry, a situation it said posed a potential threat to a well-functioning democracy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 22, 2021 08:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).