Wildberger: Digitalminister will KI-Umsätze in Deutschland besteuern

Berlin, Germany - Bundesdigitalminister Karsten Wildberger (CDU) advocates for taxing artificial intelligence revenue in Germany, arguing that the funds should be used to finance the transformation of the job market. Speaking to the Tagesspiegel, Wildberger stated, "We must tax the massive revenue generated by this technology, and with that money, we can finance the transformation. That is my approach." He emphasized that when growth and value creation arise in the country, taxes must also be paid domestically.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has long advocated for taxing robots and AI to reduce the incentive to replace human workers with machines. Gates expressed concern that artificial intelligence could lead to significant job losses. Wildberger, however, acknowledges that AI will fundamentally change the labor market, leading to long-term job creation but in different roles than today.

Uplifting and new occupations, such as those in the trades or caregiving, would need to be funded, he explained. This would require growth and openness to alternative instruments, according to the minister.