Switzerland poised to impose 4% video streaming levy
Video streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+, may in future be obliged to donate 4% of their profits towards supporting the Swiss film industry.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
Español
es
Suiza busca gravar con 4% a firmas de transmisión continua
On Thursday, both chambers of the Swiss parliament agreed on the amount to be surrendered by streaming companies. However, the proposed reform has yet to be passed into law and could even then be challenged by a referendum.
Should the proposal make it past these hurdles, the Swiss film industry could benefit from an additional CHF18 million ($19.6 million) per year – on top of the CHF150 million in federal and cantonal funding, reports Swiss public broadcaster SRF. The money would go to the Swiss culture ministry if streaming firms cannot find any local film projects to support directly.
The proposed law would also oblige streaming platforms to offer at least 30% European films to viewers in Switzerland.
France already obliges streaming services to invest 25% of their income into the domestic film industry and Italy 20%, according to news agency Keystone-SDA.
But even if the law passes through its final stages in parliament, as expected, the levy could still face another challenge: a group of right leaning and centre political parties have threatened to force a public vote on the issue. They fear streaming companies would only pass on costs to consumers, making it more expensive to use their services.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
This content was published on
Internet use among pensioners in Switzerland has almost doubled over the past decade and allowed many to stay in touch during the pandemic.
This content was published on
Streaming video market leader Netflix has arrived in Switzerland, raising larger questions about keeping the internet a neutral playing field.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.