France's New Tax Law on Streaming Services: Fairness or Overreach?

France to Implement New Tax Law on Streaming Services Starting June 1st, 2025 Starting June 1st, 2025, a new French law will require all subscribers of popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime to declare their subscriptions on their annual tax returns. The French government announced this measure as part of a broader initiative to combat tax evasion and improve the regulation of shared digital services. The new law aims to address the widespread practice of account sharing, which has been costing streaming services significant revenue. The government claims that cross-referencing subscription data with tax declarations will help identify and penalize those who are not paying their fair share. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy stated, "This measure is necessary to ensure fairness and transparency in the digital market." However, concerns have been raised about the potential for privacy violations and the practicality of enforcing the law. Critics argue that it places an undue burden on taxpayers and could lead to unintended consequences. One concerned citizen commented, "I think this is going too far. It's hard enough to keep track of our finances without adding another layer of complexity." Despite the concerns, the government remains committed to implementing the law, citing the need to generate additional revenue and level the playing field for streaming services. The law will be enforced through cross-referencing subscription data with tax declarations, with penalties of €60-€90 per undeclared service.