Google carrying out tests that'll block news content for some users in Canada

Google confirmed on Wednesday (February 22) that the search giant was rolling out tests that would impede attempts of some Canadian users to access news content. Reuters reported that Google said that these tests were a potential response to Canada's online news bill. The "Online News Act" bill was introduced by Justin Trudeau's Liberal government in April. The bill lays out rules to force platforms like Google, Facebook and others to negotiate deals with news publishers for their content.

"We're briefly testing potential product responses to Bill C-18 that impact a very small percentage of Canadian users. We run thousands of tests each year to assess any potential changes to Search," said Google as quoted by Reuters.

The company said that these tests are time-limited and will impact a random sampling of less than 4 per cent of users in Canada. It will "limit the visibility of Canadian and international news to varying degrees."

A spokeswoman for Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez said Canadians will not be intimidated and called it disappointing that Google is borrowing from Meta's playbook.

"Canadians need to have access to quality, fact-based news at the local and national levels, and that’s why we introduced the Online News Act. Tech giants need to be more transparent and accountable to Canadians," the spokeswoman said.

Last year, Facebook had warned of blocking of some news content in Canada in response to concerns about legislation that would compel platforms to pay news publishers.

According to a report, a similar law in Australia, which led to brief shutdown of Facebook news feeds, has largely worked.

(With inputs from agencies)

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