Google Claims Microsoft Is Attempting To Break The Open Web
![google attacks microsoft over legislation stance](https://images.hothardware.com/contentimages/newsitem/54525/content/google-attacks-microsoft-over-legislation-stance.jpg)
In January, Australian legislators deliberated on a law that would require content aggregators, like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, to pay for compiled news articles. While Google and Facebook threatened to leave the country, Microsoft explained that it would back the new law and happily pay for content. Since then, Facebook has blocked Australian news from being shared on its platform, and Google is still fighting, it seems. Microsoft has seemingly been relatively quiet, but that may not last for long after Google’s blog post today.
![google attacks microsoft over legislation stance svp](https://images.hothardware.com/contentimages/newsitem/54525/content/google-attacks-microsoft-over-legislation-stance-svp.jpg)
Walker also wrote that these attacks come at a time just after the SolarWinds attack and the new Microsoft Exchange hack. Thus, Microsoft is simply trying to break out the “old diversionary Scroogled playbook.” In written testimony to the House Judiciary Committee, Microsoft president Brad Smith explained that “when a company’s success,” such as Google’s, “creates side effects that adversely impact a market and our society, the problem should not be ignored.” One such adverse effect is the reported loss of 2,100 newspapers since 2004.
Whatever side you take, it is interesting to watch as Microsoft and Google are effectively in the same business but are on the opposite sides of the table. Perhaps what we are witnessing is extreme negotiation with some hardline tactics involved, or perhaps there is legitimate anger at play. In any case, let us know what you think of this situation in the comments below.