Google says to block search engine in Australia if forced to pay for news

Australia is on course to pass laws that will make tech giants negotiate payments with local publishers and broadcasters for content included in search results or news feeds

Alphabet Inc's Google said on Friday it would block its search engine in Australia if the government proceeds with a new code that would force it and Facebook Inc to pay media companies for the right to use their content.
 
Google's threat escalates a battle with publishers such as News Corp that is being closely watched around the world. The search giant had warned that its 19 million Australian users would face degraded search and YouTube experiences if the new code were enforced.
 
Australia is on course to pass laws that would make tech giants negotiate payments with