UK to propose 'YouTube tax' as extension of BBC license fee and it could apply to all streaming platforms – Stuff

UK to propose ‘YouTube tax’ as extension of BBC license fee and it could apply to all streaming platforms  Stuff

Watching any content, anywhere, anyhow? Then you may be paying the license fee currently reserved for live TV and iPlayer content from BBC. Stuff / News / UK to propose ‘YouTube tax’ as extension of BBC license fee and it could apply to all streaming platforms The United Kingdom government is reportedly proposing an extension of the license fee, which funds the BBC, to include access to streaming services like YouTube and Netflix viewed on any screen. A new report from The Independent on Friday says households will be asked to pay a so-called ‘YouTube tax’ to access streaming platforms if they’re not paying the current license that covers the BBC’s tab.

It’s currently £180 a year (around $240). Any extension would cover all online streaming platforms including Amazon, Disney+ and others available on UK soil. The idea appears to be geared towards preventing people avoiding a license by not having a television, and not engaging with live TV and the iPlayer. Essentially, if you’re streaming anything from anywhere, you’re gonna be liable for the license fee under the new plans. The report, which quotes Whitehall sources, says any extra money raised by the license fee could be used to help revive local journalism in the UK and tackle the onslaught of misinformation. The unnamed source said: “The money needs