Aus hits back after Google threatens to block search

Google’s warning to block its search engine in Australia if the government enforces a new code that would force it to pay media companies for using their content drew a sharp rebuke from Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison who said on Friday, “We don’t respond to threats”. “Australia makes our rules for things you can do in Australia. That’s done in our Parliament. It’s done by our government. And that’s how things work here in Australia,” he told reporters. The threat is Google’s most potent yet as the digital giant tries to stem a flow of regulatory action worldwide, but such a radical step would hand an entire developed market to rivals. At least 94% of online searches in Australia go through the Alphabet Inc unit. Australia is on course to pass laws that would make tech giants, including Facebook, negotiate payments with local publishers and broadcasters for content included in search results or news feeds.