Minister of Digital Affairs of France: "Will Not Withdraw 'Digital Tax Imposition' Despite US Threats"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Cedric O, France's Minister of Digital Economy, emphasized that he will not withdraw the digital tax imposed on Google, Facebook, and others despite the possibility of U.S. tariff retaliation.

On the 12th (local time), Minister O said in an interview with the daily The Guardian that French President Emmanuel Macron will impose fairer and higher taxes on Amazon, Apple, and others. Since last year, the U.S. has warned that it will impose up to 100% additional tariffs on imports such as champagne and cheese from France as retaliation for France's digital tax on global IT companies.

In response, Minister O said, "We will not withdraw the tax. That is certain." He mentioned that "retaliation is bad not only for the U.S. and France but also for business," and hinted at possible countermeasures from the European Union (EU).

Minister O emphasized that the digital tax is "politically symbolic and democratically important," but it is only the tip of the iceberg as a new international regulation to deal with global IT companies. He pointed out that on the international diplomatic stage, internet and technology regulations have become a core part of France's soft power, and the control of personal information and communication by a few large IT companies poses a challenge to governments.

Minister O said that IT companies "have sometimes built obstacles to our economy and democracy," and that these companies have gained monopolistic positions, requiring specific regulations to be applied to them.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.