Google to disable search option in Australia if media code comes into force Australia is on course to pass laws that would make the Big Tech giants negotiate payments with local publishers and broadcasters for content Reuters | January 22, 2021 | Updated 10:12 IST Google's threat to limit its services in Australia came just hours after the internet giant reached a content-payment deal with some French news publishers Google said on Friday it will disable its search function in Australia if the government proceeds with a media code that would force it and Facebook Inc to pay local media companies for sharing their content.