The Australian tightens its Google access to drive digital subscriptions

Those trying to skirt The Australian’s paywall could find they’ll need to buy a subscription with changes to how its site works with Google Search.

Until recently, determined users could get past the paywall by searching for the page on Google and clicking through, a by-product of Google’s ‘First Click Free’ program. However from last week, readers looking for a freebie found this would redirect them to the subscription page.

The Australian is strengthening its wall