91996E3434

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3434/96 by Umberto Bossi (NI) to the Commission (9 December 1996)

Subject: Proposal by the 'High-level Group of Experts on Social and Societal Aspects of the Information Society' for the introduction of a generalized 'bit tax' on the Internet

On 25 April 1995 the Commission set up a study group called the 'High-level Group of Experts on Social and Societal Aspects of the Information Society' to analyse the social impact, the organization of work, relations between the European regions and all the problems linked to the introduction of the new communication and information technologies.

This group's first practical achievement was the report of 12 August 1996 in which it moots the idea of a 'bit tax' i.e. a tax to be levied on the basis of the amount of data sent or received, as a replacement for telephone charges. This would mean charging all users of the Internet a generalized tax to compensate for the impossibility of taxing the use of the Internet for the supply of services. The Internet system has shown itself to be a powerful instrument for freedom, since it distributes news and information directly, but it has also become a new means of providing services such a teleconferences, sales and long-distance learning and consultancy activities. These services are only a small part of the use made of the telematic network.

It is common knowledge that because of its reasonable costs the Internet is used mainly by young people and university students.

Does the Commission not consider that the high-level group's proposal may lead to a dangerous restriction on freedom of information, an undesirable form of censorship and be generally detrimental to freedom of thought and democracy?

Does it not consider that such a tax might impose unfair restrictions on those of limited financial means?

What steps does the Commission intend to take to guarantee unrestricted access to the Internet free of charge?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (14 January 1997)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-3136/96 by Mr Tamino ((See page 71. )).