Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Similar to the Indonesian government's plan, the Canadian government is firmly enforcing policies on tech giants such as Google and Facebook to provide compensation to media companies whose information is disseminated through these tech platforms.

This policy is called “Bill C-18”, similar to the “Publishers' Rights” currently under discussion in Indonesia. The rules require tech giants such as Google and Meta to pay compensation to media companies that produce news content and distribute it through their platforms.

However, Google is trying to fight against the Canadian government's policies. Google's move involves threatening to block content from media companies. This policy greatly disappointed the Canadian government.

“We are testing new potential in response to Bill C-18 regulations that affect a small number of Canadian users,” said Google spokesperson Shay Purdy, quoted by Canadian Press News, Thursday (23/ 2/2023).

Google's news blocking in Canada is still in the testing phase. Not all users, only 4%, have access to news content through Google.

“We are very open about our position on the policy of Bill C-18. If it does not change, it could have an impact on our services that Canadians need on a daily basis,” he explained.

This blocking of access to news does not only apply to the Google Search search engine. Stranded Canadians are also unable to access news from the “Discovery” feature on Android devices.

All types of news content are affected by this blocking. From political news to technology and sports. The trial of limiting access to information will take place over the next 5 weeks.

The Canadian government said it was disappointed by Google's position in following Facebook. Last year, Facebook also threatened to block news content from its platform due to Bill C-18.

“This case [pemblokiran] ineffective in Australia and Canada similarly. We will not be intimidated. “Ultimately, we're just asking that tech giants pay journalists who work hard to create content,” spokeswoman Laura Scaffidi said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke. According to him, the decision to block Google was a “big mistake”, cited by Reuters.

Trudeau said Google's blocking left him in disbelief. In fact, it bothered him.

“I am very surprised that Google prefers to block news content intended for Canadians rather than paying journalists for what they do,” he explained.