Germany is preparing to introduce a 10% tax on major online platforms such as Google (Alphabet Inc.) and Meta (Facebook), Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer revealed in an interview with Stern magazine. The move aims to address what Berlin sees as systematic tax avoidance by global tech giants and to ensure fairer contributions to Germany’s economy and cultural sector.
The proposed digital services tax could raise tensions with the United States, especially ahead of an expected—though unconfirmed—meeting between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. Trump has strongly opposed such levies in the past, arguing they unfairly target American firms.
Weimer confirmed that his ministry is drafting legislation while initiating discussions with the tech companies involved. He accused platforms like Google and Meta of generating billions in revenue from German users while giving little back in return.
“These companies operate with huge profit margins, benefit from Germany’s cultural and media environment, yet contribute minimally in taxes and investment,” said Weimer.
Neither Alphabet nor Meta responded to media inquiries regarding the tax proposal.
Germany’s coalition government had already agreed earlier this year to implement a digital tax, aligning with several countries including France, the UK, Spain, Italy, India, and Canada—all of which have introduced similar levies on digital services.
During Trump’s first term, the U.S. initiated a Section 301 investigation into such taxes, claiming they discriminated against American firms. Trump recently directed his trade officials to revive those efforts, potentially reopening the door to retaliatory tariffs.
Despite these geopolitical risks, the newly formed German government appears committed to pursuing the tax.
Weimer also criticized the growing concentration of media influence in the hands of digital monopolies, warning of the broader consequences for free speech and democratic discourse.
He offered a stark hypothetical: “If Google, under political pressure, were to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America and push that change through its global platforms, we’d clearly see the dangers of unchecked digital power.”
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News Source: Reuters.com
