Weimer Advocates for Google's Disintegration as Optimal Solution
In a recent interview on the "Berlin Playbook" podcast by Politico, Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer expressed his concerns about the market dominance of US tech giant Google in Germany. Weimer accused Google of paying virtually no taxes in the country and not giving back to society.
Weimer's criticism is not limited to a monopoly for profit, but also extends to Google's impact on the democratic structure. The minister views Google's absorption of various media forms, including local radio, television, and print media, as a threat to democracy in Germany.
Weimer's statements come amidst a trade dispute between Germany, the EU, and the US government. The US government has demanded changes to the EU's digital laws, and Trump has threatened state retaliation if the EU continues to fine US corporations.
The EU digital laws under scrutiny have not been specified in this article. However, these laws affect companies like Amazon, Apple, Meta (Facebook), Google, and Microsoft, and aim to combat the spread of misinformation on various platforms.
Besides Minister Weimer, initiatives to regulate or break up Google at the EU level are supported by an alliance of NGOs, associations, and organizations from the media and digital industry. This alliance filed a complaint under the Digital Services Act (DSA) against Google's AI Overviews, highlighting concerns about media diversity and democratic discourse.
EU institutions and officials, including the European Commission and Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, are involved in implementing and advancing digital regulation policies like the Data Governance Act and the Data Act which impact big tech regulation in the EU.
Weimer advocates for stronger regulation at the EU level and has pushed for the European Union to do much more. The minister believes that Google makes billions in Germany with huge margins and avoids taxes by routing them through Dublin.
Google, according to Weimer, is altering the media landscape, which threatens the democratic foundation of the country. The specific ways in which Google is altering the media landscape in Germany have not been detailed in this article.
Trump has also weighed in on the issue, stating that he would initiate a procedure for new tariffs if US corporations are fined. However, the details of Trump's threat were made on his online platform Truth Social.
In conclusion, Culture Minister Weimer's criticism of Google highlights the growing concern about the market power and tax practices of big tech companies in Europe. The EU is taking steps to regulate these companies, with the support of various organisations, to ensure a fair and democratic digital landscape.
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