Google blocks access to news outlets in Canada as a test for new legislation that would force company to pay publishers for news content

Google is running tests that block access to news outlets for some Canadians in response to the likely passing of bill C-18, a Canadian law that would require platforms like Google and Facebook to pay news publishers for their content.

Google confirmed to Reuters that tests are for the "Online News Act" and were performed for 4% of Canadian users.

"We're briefly testing potential product responses to Bill C-18 that impact a very small percentage of Canadian users. We run thousands of tests each year to assess any potential changes to Search," a Google spokesperson said.