Fines of up to 4% of global turnover for a company like Google are more than they've actually been able to collect via traditional direct taxes. Again, I'm not saying Google shouldn't have to pay more. But I'd rather the EU closed their legal loopholes.
> If it was just about taxing big US tech companies, why would they target their own businesses? They could have easily have carved out exceptions for that.
Because it is not necessary to carve out those exceptions. DPC has discretion on how it wants to allocate its resources and they most definitely will go after companies with the ability to pay and companies that help spread information that is not appropriately censored. Decisions on what is "appropriate" are up to the people in charge, the EU has few freedom of speech protection laws.
I believe, in a few years, when historical data from the fines is available, it will become clear this regulation is disproportionately affecting American companies.
> The whole tax haven schemes are being addressed through other measures, including the proposed per transaction taxes in lieu of income taxes.
> I believe, in a few years, when historical data from the fines is available, it will become clear this regulation is disproportionately affecting American companies.
Affecting the companies with the most revenue, biggest influence and worst track records for mishandling personal data? That just shows that the law is working as intended. The fact that most of these companies happen to be based in America is irrelevant.
If anything it highlights just how poor the culture around the handling of personal data actually is in America.
Fines of up to 4% of global turnover for a company like Google are more than they've actually been able to collect via traditional direct taxes. Again, I'm not saying Google shouldn't have to pay more. But I'd rather the EU closed their legal loopholes.
> If it was just about taxing big US tech companies, why would they target their own businesses? They could have easily have carved out exceptions for that.
Because it is not necessary to carve out those exceptions. DPC has discretion on how it wants to allocate its resources and they most definitely will go after companies with the ability to pay and companies that help spread information that is not appropriately censored. Decisions on what is "appropriate" are up to the people in charge, the EU has few freedom of speech protection laws.
I believe, in a few years, when historical data from the fines is available, it will become clear this regulation is disproportionately affecting American companies.
> The whole tax haven schemes are being addressed through other measures, including the proposed per transaction taxes in lieu of income taxes.
That's just a show, it won't go anywhere.