Tax the internet? Not so fast, says the EU

Nicolas Sarkozy's controversial proposal to tax new media and give the money to struggling old media has hit with some tough opposition this week from Europe's top geek: Viviane Reding, the EU's telecommunications commissioner. Earlier this month, Mr Sarkozy floated the idea of taxing internet access and mobile phone contracts to help the state-owned TV broadcaster in its transition to go advert-free. Sarkozy, perhaps sensing the attack he would endure in the blogosphere, called it an "infinitesimal sales tax."

Still, Ms Reding isn't buying it.

At a new media conference in Munich on Monday, Ms Reding said that such a plan would do more harm than good. "I believe the taxation of the new technology might not be the right way in order to arrive at the goal of seamless use of new communication by all citizens," she told The International Herald Tribune. She characterised Sarkozy's proposal as "the beginning, not the end of the discussion."

That Brussels is resolutely determined to maintain a competitive technology sector must be welcomed news for entrepreneurs and consumers alike. Still, it may not be enough to save French tech firms trying to compete with the likes of Microsoft and Google.

Comments

[Steve]

Dont you think we aleady pay enough for an internet connection?!?

[EK]

yeah right. How long was it going to be before Sarko tried to glom more money from Europe? I'm only surprised he lasted this long before going begging. He's pretty much set the tone for his "contributions" to Europe so I think from here on, they should just turn his microphone off. If he complains, make him pay a tax before they turn it back on again. He'll learn. Eventually.

[merlin]

tax the dam rich and leave the internet alone, for gods sake why do the fat cats always want to greedily grab more money of people.