The French government is considering a proposal that would have Internet advertisers—namely, Google—pay taxes in order to help support industries that are struggling as a result of the Internet. Google believes the government should embrace the Internet rather than singling out successful Internet businesses.

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French think tank Renaissance Numérique had a much stronger reaction to the proposal, saying on its website that it was appalled by the "blatant disregard of the Internet and communication technologies." The firm questioned why Internet advertisers are responsible for artists' lost income, and strongly urged the government to take a more entrepreneurial approach to the Internet. "Let's stop demonizing the Internet and look at the benefits of the web!" said Renaissance Numérique co-president Christine Balagué in a statement.

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http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/01/google-says-french-ad-ta...