Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, is raising concerns about a proposed bill in New Zealand that it believes goes against the principles of an open internet. The tech giant argues that the bill could negatively impact small publishers and create financial uncertainty for businesses.

New Zealand’s Minister for Media and Communications, Paul Goldsmith, has acknowledged the industry’s various viewpoints on the matter. “We are in the consultation phase and will provide updates in the near future,” Goldsmith stated.

Despite opposition from minority government coalition partner ACT, the bill is expected to garner enough bipartisan support for passage. Similar legislation in Australia, implemented in 2021, empowered the government to compel internet companies to negotiate content agreements with media outlets. A subsequent review by the Australian government in 2022 determined the law’s effectiveness.