Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer (independent) proposes transferring the video platform TikTok into European ownership. Speaking to “Die Welt am Sonntag”, Weimer stated that they still do not know where the most sensitive data of young people is flowing or what level of access Chinese authorities have to it. Therefore, he argued that the groundwork should be laid for “TikTok Europe,” effectively bringing the platform under European control. According to Weimer, an EU ownership structure would be “the most effective way to enforce European data protection, media, and youth protection laws.”
Furthermore, he advocated for a platform tax. Weimer contended that major platforms “benefit massively from journalistic content,” and thus they should contribute appropriately to the financing of the media landscape. His aim is to put this initiative into motion “this year.”
In addition to platform regulation, Weimer is promoting the concept of establishing a German National Portrait Gallery, modeled after the British institution. Renowned Australian historian Christopher Clark is set to curate an initial exhibition that will demonstrate “the diversity of Germany’s history” through influential figures. The long-term goal is for this endeavor to develop into a permanent National Portrait Gallery.
