Germany’s federal digital ministry is urging restraint on a proposed levy targeting major online platforms, emphasizing the need for global coordination and protections for consumers.
While there has been growing interest within the German government to explore a digital services levy—potentially affecting tech giants like Google and Meta—the digital ministry clarified that such a measure must be approached with care. A spokesperson for the ministry stressed that any future levy must be “well-targeted, align with European Union regulations, and avoid shifting the cost burden onto end-users.”
This stance appears to reflect internal debate within the government, following comments made by Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer. In a recent interview, Weimer floated the idea of a 10% levy on digital platforms but did not specify whether this would apply to revenues or profits. His remarks suggested that some officials are looking to fast-track the discussion, though his proposal has not yet received formal approval.
Earlier in the year, Germany’s ruling coalition agreed to evaluate the idea of a digital tax but did not place it among its top legislative priorities.
The potential tax comes at a sensitive time diplomatically. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is reportedly planning an upcoming visit to Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has previously criticized international efforts to tax American tech companies, arguing that such measures unfairly target U.S. economic interests.
Germany’s digital industry has responded with concern. Bitkom, a leading tech industry association, warned that the proposed levy could drive up costs for businesses, government agencies, and consumers alike. “These kinds of financial burdens risk slowing down essential digital transformation efforts across both the public and private sectors,” said Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst. “What’s needed right now is less financial pressure on digital services—not more.”
The German government appears to be weighing both domestic and international implications carefully, balancing innovation incentives with fiscal strategies in an increasingly digital global economy.