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-tax-will-create-cultural-opposition.ars