Overview
- The federal government is drafting an outline for a levy on major digital platforms, with revenues ring‑fenced for the media and creative sectors.
- Wolfram Weimer says the plan targets only Big Tech and must be legally robust and economically effective, and he has floated the potential for multi‑billion‑euro proceeds.
- Talks are underway with dominant streaming services on voluntary commitments to fund German and European productions, with legislation kept as a fallback if talks fail.
- Weimer aims to move an outline into parliamentary debate in November, with a possible legislative process starting early 2026 if needed.
- Separately, Germany’s state governments agreed Eckpunkte for a new digital media treaty that would tighten platform obligations, boost the visibility of trustworthy journalism, modernize oversight, and update media concentration rules.