Oettinger floats proposal for EU-wide ‘Google-tax’

The European Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society Günther Oettinger, who was scheduled to start his mandate on 1 November 2014, announced plans in October 2014 to reform existing copyright laws within one year, indicating the likely addition of an EU 'Google-tax', similar to that applicable in Germany.

An EU-wide 'Google-tax' would require internet search engine providers to pay a fee for displaying copyrighted materials on their sites.

EUObserver reported on the 30 October 2014 that a spokesperson for the outgoing EU digital commissioner Neelie Kroes gave a carefully-worded criticism of the Oettinger proposal.

He said copyright changes, which limit access through legal or price barriers, would face a severe backlash.

Separately, the Spanish parliament approved the introduction of charges for aggregating news stories in search engine results on the 30 October 2014. The law would come into operation on the 1 January 2015. Google said it was disappointed.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Oettinger's digital plans focus on better infrastructure http://www.europeansources.info/record/oettingers-digital-plans-focus-on-better-infrastructure/

ESO: Background information: Spanish law raises concerns of EU-level 'Google Tax' http://www.europeansources.info/record/spanish-law-raises-concerns-of-eu-level-google-tax/

The Local.es, 30.10.14: Spain approves hotly disputed 'Google tax' http://www.thelocal.es/20141030/spain-brings-in-google-tax

EUObserver, 30.10.14: Oettinger stirs controversy ahead of new role as digital commissioner http://euobserver.com/justice/126318

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