Wolfram Weimer proposes digital levy on tech companies
Media executive Wolfram Weimer has developed a concept for a digital levy on major platforms like Google, Facebook, and Instagram. The levy aims to fund independent journalism and cultural content. The paper will be presented to the German government this autumn.
Wolfram Weimer, former editor-in-chief of Focus magazine and renowned media expert, has developed a detailed concept for a so-called digital levy. It envisions a tax on the revenues of major digital platforms, including Google, Facebook, and Instagram. The goal is to use the proceeds to promote diversity in the digital space, particularly for journalism and culture.
The concept was published in October 2025 and is based on the idea that tech companies benefiting from the digital public should contribute to its funding. Weimer argues: "The digital levy should secure diversity in the digital space and strengthen independent media suffering under platform pressure." Estimates suggest potential revenues in the billions, which could be distributed annually to cultural and journalistic projects.
The background is the debate on traditional media's dependence on tech giants' algorithms. Weimer, who is active as a publisher, criticizes that platforms like Meta (parent of Facebook and Instagram) and Alphabet (Google) dominate the market without giving back sufficiently. The concept proposes a levy rate of 2 to 5 percent on German revenue, depending on company size.
The German government plans to review the paper in autumn 2025. There are already similar EU initiatives, like the Digital Services Act, which focus more on regulation than funding. Weimer emphasizes the need for a national solution: "Germany needs its own tools to protect press freedom."
Critics warn of bureaucratic hurdles and potential countermeasures from the companies, but supporters see the levy as fair compensation for societal benefits.