France fines Google $593 million over news copyright row
A Google sign is shown at one of the company's office complexes in Irvine, California
France on Tuesday fined Google $593 million for failing to negotiate with news publishers over their content under EU copyright rules.
The US tech giant however asserted that it had acted in "good faith throughout the entire process".
"Our objective remains the same: we want to turn the page with a definitive agreement. We will take the French Competition Authority's feedback into consideration and adapt our offers," it said.
Watch:
French anti-trustwatchdog chief Isabelle De Silva said it was the biggest fine imposed by the agencyfor failing to comply with its ruling.
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
American blogger Perez Hilton, covered in blood, cuts himself during livestream, hospitalized after distressing incident
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Why did India turn down the US offer for F-35 fighter jets? EXPLAINED
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
'Can't rip open my chest but...': On Day 11 of student protest, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren breaks silence
)
Why did FSSAI ban the sale of Old Monk, Antiquity Blue and other liquor brands?
)
22 children dead, 35 infected: India's Gujarat faces Chandipura virus outbreak — Experts explain symptoms
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 detect a bird?
)
‘India’s FCRA bill an attack on Christians, could hit bilateral ties,’ says US lawmaker
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
Another assassination attempt? Armed man arrested at Trump's golf course ahead of presidential visit to LA
)
Punjab Assembly passes resolution against Centre's mandatory E20 petrol rollout
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
'Should not be bullied': CJP says movement will expand beyond protests. Politics, or something bigger?
)
WMO warns Super El Niño is set to become monstrous between Aug-Oct - This was 'only a warm-up act'
)
WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Spinner Sajid Khan helps Pakistan turn screw for series-levelling win against hosts
)
Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors
)
Influencer killed on livestream: Mexican cartel boss' son asked dad to kill woman who broke up with him
)
Trump goes 'bing bing bing' 11 times within 5 seconds at Iran war briefing
)
What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
)
Scientists find descendants of ancient sea creatures trapped under Antarctica's Blood Falls
)
'I believe in freedom of expression...': Shashi Tharoor clarifies on attending event where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will address Gen Zs
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
7 longest flights in the world - Singapore, Qantas, Qatar and others
)
Who is Devendra Nath Mahto, Jharkhand’s 'Sonam Wangchuk' fasting for protesting students?
)
Indian vessel sinks after Red Sea attack off Yemen; all crew rescued
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who is Sujatha Vijayakumar? The producer defending daughter Aarti in Ravi Mohan divorce battle
)
'World's most beautiful village' with only 627 people generated Rs 58 lakh in traffic fines in 2025
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Did military GPS jamming cause a plane to crash in New Mexico? Here's what a report says
)
Ghajini villain Pradeep Rawat passes away at 74 after battle with cancer
The watchdog ordered Google to offer remuneration to current publishers for copyrighted content or risk fines amounting to 900,000 euros a day.
"When the authority decrees an obligation for a company, it must comply scrupulously, both in the spirit and letter (of the decision). Here, this was unfortunately not the case," the French competition watchdog said.
The French regulators in April had asked Google to negotiate "in good faith" with media groups after it refused to comply with the EU's digital copyright law of 2019.
Under the "neighbouring rights", news publishers need to be compensated for their work on websites and social media platforms including on search engines.
The regulator said Google's actions demonstrate "a deliberate, elaborate and systematic lack of respect" for its order.
Google had earlier announced it had reached an agreement on copyright payments with French newspapers and magazines after initially refusing to pay media outlets for news stories.
The Australian government had earlier come down hard on Google and Facebook to pay media companies for their content after a landmark legislation, after resisting the government the two US companies signed deals worth millions of dollars with the media companies.
(With inputs from Agencies)