Faced with possibly paying for news, Google removes links to California news sites for some users

Google is removing California news websites from some users' search results. The move is widely seen as a protest over pending legislation requiring the search giant and other tech companies to pay news organizations for linking to their content. Google calls it a “short-term test” and says it also would pause new investments in the California news industry. Supporters of the bill say it would provide a “lifeline” to local news organizations that have struggled to stay afloat in the digital era. Google and other tech companies like Meta say the bill would favor out-of-state chains and hedge funds and further decimate local news organizations.