German government wants Google to pay for the right to link to news sites

presroi writes: "Al Jazeera is reporting on the current state of plans by the German government to amend the national copyright law. The so-called "Leistungsschutzrecht" (neighbouring right) for publishers is introducing the right for press publishers to demand financial compensation if a company such as Google wants to link to their web site. Since the New York Times reported on this issue in March this year, two draft bills have been released by the Minister of Justice and have triggered strong criticism from the entire political spectrum in Germany, companies and activist bloggers.

(Full disclosure: I am being quoted by Al Jazeera in this article)"