France/Germany tax computers/hard drives/media to help "artists"

[JellyBaby]

What to read something extremely lame? Check out this Techweb Story.

<< France is planning to slap levies on the sale of computers and digital recording devices to ensure musicians and film-makers are compensated for pirate copying >>

<< First indications suggest that a hard disk could be taxed between 600 and 1,000 francs [$86-$144], while in Germany a hard disk is only taxed around 200 francs [$29],? >>

<< Most of the money will go directly to artists and producers, while around a quarter will be used to encourage fresh talent. >> --- yeah and the government takes a big cut, too, I'm sure.

I honestly can't believe anybody could fall for this crooked scheme. WTG socialists.

 

[vi edit]

[cartman]The french piss me off!!![/cartman]

 

[Tripleshot]

That totally sucks! I wonder how many &quot;starving artists&quot; will get any of that represive tax:|

Do you think black market PC gear will be on the rise now?

Me thinks so!

 

[ForeverSilky]

You've got to be kidding on those taxes....

 

[DABANSHEE]

I't's just a way of getting arround GATT, these are unofficial import tarrifs that's all.

There's no way that legislation would have been past if the European Union was a producer of computer equipment.

This is just a way of putting unofficial Tariffs on products from East Asia, without East Asian countries bringing out reprisal tariffs.

Places like Japan, South Korea &amp; various European countries are doing this sort of thing all the time.

Think of it this way, every dollar a nation raises through income tarrifs, is one less dollar it needs to raise through income taxes. Plus it also makes imports more expensive relative to locally produced items, themby increasing demand elseware

 

[ChrisIsBored]

damn, imagine paying $150 extra for that HDD you just bought though...

sucks to be them 😀