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Germany Finalizes Draft Bill to Impose 10% Digital Tax on Major Tech Platforms

It aims to compel tech platforms to pay a fair share of ad revenues to support independent journalism.

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Overview

  • A draft bill spearheaded by Kulturstaatsminister Wolfram Weimer would impose a 10% levy on advertising revenues of platforms such as Google and Meta.
  • The proposal follows Austria’s 2020 digital tax model, which applies a 5% levy without significantly raising consumer prices.
  • It includes voluntary self-commitments by tech firms as an interim measure before mandatory contributions take effect.
  • SPD co-leader Saskia Esken and Green lawmakers back directing revenues toward independent and democratically governed media.
  • Officials hope the national measure will invigorate stalled EU-level negotiations on digital taxation.