WASHINGTON: Google announced plans Thursday to pay some news organizations for content in a stepped up effort to aid the struggling sector following pressure from governments and media groups around the world.

While details of the plan were not known, the move could represent a significant shift by the internet giant and follows initiatives by Facebook and Apple to create news products in partnership with media outlets.

Google said it would pay media partners in three countries and cover the costs of pay-walled news sites to give users free access to a dedicated news app. The program will begin with "local and national publications in Germany, Australia and Brazil" and is set to expand to more countries soon, the tech giant said.

"A vibrant news industry matters - perhaps now more than ever, as people look for information they can count on in the midst of a global pandemic and growing concerns about racial injustice around the world," said Brad Bender, Google's vice president for news product management.