Google Asks YouTubers To Swamp Australian Regulator With Complaints

Google has launched an international campaign targeting YouTubers, asking creators and viewers to swamp the Australian competition watchdog with complaints about its proposed mandatory news code, they announced in a blog post,

The messaging seeks to pit YouTubers and their fans against “big news businesses” that Google suggests could misuse personal data and make unjustified demands for money to the detriment of YouTube users. It includes an email address for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The YouTube campaign follows Google’s targeting of Australian users with pop-up warning ads that link to an open letter about the mandatory news code that the ACCC says contains “misinformation”.

The campaign claims “vloggers”, “educational creators” and “music artists” are among those who will suffer if the mandatory news code, which will force Google to share advertising revenue with publishers, comes into effect.

When negotiations regarding remuneration for news content stalled between Google, Facebook and publishers, including Nine Entertainment and News Corp Australia, the ACCC announced a mandatory code would be imposed.

The search giant is now appealing to the public to demand the ACCC drop its plan, arguing the code would have a “significant, negative” effect on content creators.

Full Content: Australia Blog, The Guardian

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