In a recent report, Google has informed the European Union (EU) that it will not comply with the new fact-checking law. This decision means that Google will not be incorporating the new fact-checking measures into its search function or YouTube video results. Axios highlighted that fact-checking is not something Google has previously engaged in, and the company had indicated to the EU that it was unlikely to adopt these new practices.
Google's Global Affairs President, Kent Walker, reportedly communicated to the European Commission that the Disinformation Code of Practice was not suitable for Google's services. Walker argued that Google's current content moderation approach is effective and does not require an additional fact-checking component as mandated by the new EU guidelines.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer praised Google's decision as a win for freedom of speech, stating that it was a step in the right direction. However, it remains unclear whether Google viewed the fact-checking regulation as a form of censorship or simply unnecessary given the company's existing moderation methods.
This news comes at a time when tech companies are facing scrutiny for their relationship with President Donald Trump as he returns to the White House. Google's CEO Sundar Pichai attended Trump's second inauguration alongside other tech leaders like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, and Shou Chew. The European Commission has not yet provided a comment on Google's decision to reject the new fact-checking law.