Microsoft says Bing can step in if Google Search is pulled from Australia
Google has threatened to pull Google Search from Australia if a new law proposal passes, and Microsoft is ready to step in.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Microsoft shared its support of a proposed law in Australia that would require Google and Facebook to pay local media outlets for content. Microsoft President Brad Smith explains Microsoft’s stance in ablog post. Both Smith and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella spoke with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Communications Minister Paul Fletcher about the proposal.
Smith summarizes several points that Microsoft’s leaders made to Prime Minister Morrison. He focuses largely on the changing landscape of media and journalism, and how the proposal affects the industry:
Google and Facebook have called the proposed laws unworkable, but Microsoft stands on the other side of the issue. Microsoft would not be subject to the legislation, but would “be willing to live by these rules if the government designates.”
Smith does not mention Google specifically, but the proposal has made headlines mostly due to tech giants Google and Facebook. Google has threatened to pull Google Search from Australia if the new proposal passes (via TechRadar). Facebook has also threatened to make major changes if the proposal passes (via TechRadar). Microsoft feels that its own search engine, Bing, is able to fill the gap if Google steps out of the Australian market for search.
Two bullet points from Smith’s post address Bing’s potential role in Australia:
Bing is Australia’s second most popular search engine, but the gap between it and Google is vast in terms of market share.Statcounterstates that Bing only has a 3.6 percent marketshare. If Google does withdraw Google Search from Australia, there will be a large gap to fill.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
