January 15, 2021: Australia, The Australian government has exhorted Google to focus on paying for Australian content instead of blocking it.

Google confirmed it was blocking the Australian sites for a small number of users after media reports told Australian news websites were not showing up in the search.

The search engine said it was conducting experiments to determine the value of its service to Australian news outlets.

Google, Facebook, and other tech companies are fighting the Australian government’s intending to make them pay for news content.

“The digital giants should focus on paying for original content, not blocking it.” Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said.

The big tech firms have resisted legislation that will force them to negotiate with Australian news outlets overpayment for the content that appears on their platforms.

The government has appointed an arbitrator to decide for the parties unable to reach an agreement.

The law is currently being debated by Australia’s Senate and is expected to be voted on early this year.

Google and Facebook suggested they would force them to limit their offerings in the country as, according to them, the rules are unfair.

Google argues that its search services would be worse under the change.

It has rolled out an extensive advertising campaign in Australia, arguing the laws would be damaging.

Australia’s media proprietors see things differently. Australian print media has seen a 75% decline in advertising revenue since 2005, the government said.

As a result, most of the Australian news outlets have shut down in recent years.