Move FM Global News

DUBLIN, Ireland: Ireland has sent a letter to the EU Commission urging caution in seeking to tax internet streaming services, in a bid to fund upgrades in internet infrastructures.

In sending the letter, Ireland joined other EU countries in questioning the proposed tax.

In May, Commission officials said they would weigh how streaming platforms, such as Netflix and Google’s YouTube, could help fund telecom providers for the cost of maintaining internet infrastructure.

To date, no proposal has been made, and there has been no indication when one might be considered.

However, floating such a tax has caused alarm among tech companies, net neutrality advocates, lawmakers, and now member states.

In its letter, Ireland warned the commission that it should have an “open and transparent debate” about the idea, before formulating such a tax.

Similar letters were sent by Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Finland and the Netherlands.

Ireland also requested that the commission wait for a final analysis from the EU’s telecom regulating body, as well as undertake open hearings with EU members and the public.

Of note, members of the European Parliament have sent a letter to the commission, noting their “deep concern” over the “radical proposal” to tax internet companies.