Chairman of the Broadcasting Commission of the States, Alexander Schweitzer (SPD), has called for a rapid introduction of a digital tax on foreign technology firms. He stated, “We need an instrument in Germany as soon as possible to protect media diversity in the states and throughout the country”.
Schweitzer pointed out that AI systems use editorially produced content, further process it, and then make it freely available. “This undermines many business models of private media providers” he explained. He noted that in most cases these AI systems originate from U.S. or Chinese tech conglomerates and their platforms, and that so far they are not asked to pay any tax. “Their tax burden is very low in most cases, which is extremely unfair to our media providers” he said.
The chairman also warned that platforms can manipulate what users see through algorithms, thereby distorting reality and influencing the political climate and public debate. He added that reliable, journalistic information is increasingly hard for citizens to distinguish from misinformation, which is “highly dangerous for the media landscape in Germany”. “It is essential for freedom of expression and diversity” Schweitzer emphasized, noting that it is a democratic and media‑freedom issue rather than primarily a foreign‑policy tool to bolster the European position in trade disputes.
Schweitzer will discuss the instrument and its mechanism with his counterparts from other states. He remains silent on the exact amount of the proposed levy, saying the precise figure must first be deliberated within the circle of prime ministers. “Speed is required” he said. “A proposal should be presented by the prime ministerial conference later this year on how we can strengthen and protect our media environment-and thereby democracy-while the window is still open for media providers”.