Google will compensate media outlets in Canada $74 million annually for sharing news on its platforms, the Canadian government announced Wednesday.
Canadian Heritage Minister Pascal Saint-Onge said that number will be adjusted each year for inflation and that the Canadian executive reserves the right to review the terms if Google reaches an agreement that is more beneficial to media in other countries.
The agreement comes after Canada approved an Online News Act that requires Google and Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) to compensate media outlets for sharing their content on digital platforms.
Since the law was passed in August, Google and Meta have protested by blocking access to news in Canada.
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Although the law was passed months ago, the Canadian government has not put it into effect pending an agreement with Google and Meta.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday that the agreement between Google and his government shows “after months of resistance” Canada's commitment to “local journalism, with independent journalists paid for their work.”
Trudeau also criticized Meta, which refused to compensate media outlets for distributing its content, noting that the American giant “completely abdicates any responsibility to democratic institutions and even stability.”
The agreement reached with Google stipulates that the company will determine how to negotiate with the media regarding the distribution of the $74 million.
Google is also committed to continuing to provide programs for Canadian information companies to train their employees and use digital tools and resources.
With information from EFE
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