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Google is testing a feature that blocks news content for some Canadian users.
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The move is a test run of a potential response to the Canadian government's online news bill.
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The bill, known as the "Online News Act," requires platforms like Facebook and Google to negotiate commercial deals and pay news publishers for their content.
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Google has confirmed that the tests impact a random sample of less than 4% of Canadian users.
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The tests "limit the visibility of Canadian and international news to varying degrees."
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Google claims to run thousands of tests each year to assess potential changes to search.
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The tests are time-limited, meaning they won't last forever.
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The tech-giant has not revealed how long the tests will run.
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It is not clear how Canadian users are selected for the tests.
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The move is likely to attract criticism from Canadian news publishers and other stakeholders.