Google Blocks Some California News Sites to Protest Proposed Link Tax Law

Google began blocking some California news sites for users in the state to protest a proposed "link tax" law that would force Google to pay publishers for their content.

The law, called the California Journalism Preservation Act (CJPA), has passed the California Assembly but still needs Senate approval.

Google argues the law would create unreasonable financial exposure and uncertainty for its business.

As a "test," Google is removing links to California news sites that could be impacted by the law for a small percentage of California users.

Google is also pausing investments and partnerships with California news organizations until there is clarity on the regulatory environment.