Tech EU News

France ponders a ‘culture tax’ for digital device makers – economy

Published

12 months ago

July 20, 2025

http://www.euronews.com/ The French government has said it will decide by the end of July whether to hit technology giants like Apple and Google with new taxes to fund the country’s culture.

It would be a one percent tax on the sale of devices like smartphones and tablets to help the French film and music industries.

That could reignited the debate on state intervention in the economy, but the Culture Minister Aurelie Filippetti said: “Currently the wealth created by the digital industry goes to the makers of these digital devices. Those devices happen to be imported, they are not made in France. And our creative industries – which are French industries – they get nothing.”

Filipetti added that the “culture tax”, which she said would be “minimal and widely distributed”, was likely to be included in a budget law to be submitted to parliament in November.

With more money being spend on hardware than content, sales of things like Apple’s iPhone and iPad and Google’s Android products, as well as so-called smart TVs, videogame consoles and ebook readers has a pre-tax total of 8.6 billion euros last year in France. A one percent tax would have raised 86 million euros.

The tax is one proposal in a report commissioned by President Francois Hollande on new ways of funding culture during an economic downturn.

Hollande’s office said in a statement that he wanted lawmakers to review legislation based on the report’s recommendations by the summer. Parliament goes into recess at the end of July and returns in mid- to late September.

Worried about being swamped by English language films and music, the French government has long pushed the”cultural exception” argument that its domestic industries must be shielded from market forces.

While far from becoming laws, the proposals could worsen tension between France and technology giants after Industry Minister Arnaud Montebourg blocked an attempt by Yahoo! to buy a majority stake in French video clip site Dailymotion.

That incident angered the firm’s French parent company and exposed discord between Montebourg and Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici, who denied having approved the move.

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Related Topics:90's Culture device digital Economy for France makers news ponders tax Tech

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Swimming in sewage? Here are the beaches to avoid in this UK holiday hotspot

Published

12 hours ago

July 14, 2026

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The beaches of the renowned holiday destination the Isle of Wight are contaminated with human waste. The issue has led to people getting sick.

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Tech EU News

Spotify hit with $1.6 bln copyright lawsuit

Published

13 hours ago

July 14, 2026

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Music publishing company alleges the streaming service failed to get a proper licence allowing it to distribute thousands of songs, including those of Tom Petty, Neil Young and the Doors.…
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Tech EU News

Under the bonnet: How have planes changed over time?

Published

1 day ago

July 13, 2026

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You might think planes look the same as 60 years ago but subtle engineering advances have made big changes. Let’s look under the bonnet to find out what they are.

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First-ever red alert for pollution issued in Chinese capital

Published

2 days ago

July 13, 2026

euronews

Beijing has issued its first ever red alert for pollution.

As climate change is debated in Paris, the Chinese capital is facing unprecedented heavy smog.

The red alert means restrictions come into force, including road closures, bans on some vehicles and the temporary halt of construction work.

One man in Beijing told reporters: “If I breathe too much of this pollution, I cough and it really bothers my lungs.”

A young woman said: “We will have to see how much effort the country is putting…
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Chips are down for Intel’s CEO

Published

2 days ago

July 13, 2026

euronews

http://www.euronews.com/ The head of the computer chip giant Intel is to retire next year.

Paul Ottelini has been CEO since 2005.

The company that dominates personal computers has been struggling recently, mainly due to the consumer’s new love-affair with smart-phones and tablets, technology where Britain’s ARM Holdings is king.

Intel, which is known for finding chief execs from within the company, said they would also consider external candidates.

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