Washington, DC — Following recent tragedies in Texas and Ohio, the White House has publicized a meeting with technology companies to discuss responses to violent online extremism. At the same time, press reports indicate that White House officials are contemplating an executive order prohibiting viewpoint bias by these same companies, sometimes referred to as the…
Washington — The Commerce Department is taking comments through the end of the business day on curbing the availability of counterfeit products online, following a Presidential Memorandum issued in April. The Federal Register notice indicates recommendations may be made and stakeholders have the chance to comment on what should be considered. The Computer & Communications…
Brussels, BELGIUM — French President Emmanuel Macron has signed the country’s new digital services tax into law. The official text was published today. The French Senate and industry has voiced concerns that the tax might conflict with French law and EU state aid rules. The French government did not send the law to the French…
Strasbourg, France — The European Parliament today voted to confirm Ursula von der Leyen as the next President of the European Commission. President von der Leyen previously served in the German government in several ministerial roles, including as Minister of Defence. She will be the first woman to lead the EU’s executive arm. Earlier today…
Brussels, BELGIUM — France’s Senate today approved a national tax, which will require major tech companies to pay a 3% tax on their turnover in France applied retroactively from the start of the year. The justification for the tax is that so-called digital companies pay less tax than traditional firms, a claim that several studies…
Washington — US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has announced an investigation into France’s proposed digital services tax, which is widely understood as targeting U.S. technology companies for unique taxation. The French measure cleared the lower house of Parliament last week. A vote in the French senate is expected as early as Thursday. The French tax…
Washington — The White House is hosting a meeting to discuss right wing grievances against social media Thursday, according to news reports. Without a doubt for companies and society at large, it is always a challenge to both protect vigorous free speech and still respond to concerns about hate speech, extremism and religious intolerance. Notably,…
Washington — The Computer & Communications Industry Association commends Representatives Suzan DelBene and Darin LaHood, co-chairs of the Congressional Digital Trade Caucus, for calling upon the U.S. Administration to take “prompt and targeted action” in response to France’s Digital Services Tax. The letter echoes remarks by U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer at today’s House Ways &…
Washington — Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has introduced legislation that would give tech companies the option of either applying to the government for a license to remove particular content like hate speech — or take an entirely hands-off approach. The bill to remove Section 230 liability protections without a government license and scrutiny of a…
