France set to tax smartphones to protect culture in digital age
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/14/business/france-smartphone-tax/index.html?iref=allsearch
CNN, May 14, 2013
Summary
France government decided to impose taxes on smart devices, including phones and tablets, for protection of cultural contents. These contents actually include almost everything we use in smartphones, including apps, movies, shows, etc. Some say imposition of smart taxes may invigorate French culture by subsidizing artists; however, others argue that this tax would finally end up supporting giant contents creators in France and increasing their domination. In addition, some public says that there is no need for additional taxes since people are paying copyright taxes for purchasing contents.
My thought
I think smartphone taxes are not necessary. Even though it may be used for protecting artists, imposition of taxes should be focused on benefits of entire society (MSB) instead of small portion of people. A large number of people should be sacrificed for imposition of taxes (increase in unemployment, decrease in consuming), For the most part, France government should deliberately consider whether this tax is efficient or not.
If Korean government decided to impose taxes on smartphone, the majority of people would vehemently complain about that. Citizens already pay lots of taxes. Taxes on smartphone is definitely unnecessary.
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