Reuters reports that Google could pay South African media outlets up to $27.29 million in compensation over the next three to five years. The country’s antitrust authority has accused the company of engaging in anticompetitive practices. Meta and X are also facing similar fines. According to an analysis by the South African Competition Commission, Google’s algorithm distorts competition among media outlets, favoring global media outlets in South Africa. The company also underrepresents local language and community media outlets.
The organization’s report states: “This disparity has contributed significantly to the decline of media influence in South Africa over the past 14 years and will continue unless it is addressed.”
The watchdog will publish its final report later this year, and all interested parties will be given until April 7 to submit evidence to support their position.
Google said it would review the report in detail but disagreed with the claim that its operations disproportionately benefit some publishers.
