Google's dissolution, as suggested by Weimer, could yield optimal results
In a significant move, Culture State Minister Wolfram Weimer of Germany has called for the breakup of US tech giant Google, citing concerns over the company's market power and its impact on the democratic foundation of the country.
In an interview on the "Berlin Playbook" podcast of Politico in September 2025, Weimer expressed his views, emphasizing the need for stricter EU regulation and fairer taxation of Google. He argued that the company's current practices threaten democracy and media diversity while paying almost no taxes in Europe.
Weimer's concerns extend beyond breaking up a monopoly for profit. He believes that Google's market power poses a risk to free opinion formation in Germany. The minister stated that Google changes the media landscape, thereby endangering the democratic foundation of the country.
The handling of US companies, including Google, is relevant to the ongoing trade dispute between Germany, the EU, and the US government. The US government has demanded changes to the EU's strict digital laws, a stance that has been highlighted as relevant to the ongoing dispute.
Trump, in a post on his online platform Truth Social, wrote that he would initiate a procedure for new tariffs if US companies continue to be fined. This threat came after US President Donald Trump threatened state retaliation after an EU antitrust fine against Google.
The laws aim to combat the spread of misinformation on various platforms, but Weimer criticized Google for paying virtually no taxes in Germany and giving nothing back to society. He advocates for stronger regulation at the EU level to address these concerns.
The laws affect companies like Amazon, Apple, Meta (Facebook), Google, and Microsoft. However, Weimer's call for the breakup of Google has been the most prominent, sparking a heated debate on the regulation of tech giants and their tax practices.
As the trade dispute between the US and the EU continues, Weimer's call for stronger EU regulation and fairer taxation of tech giants like Google is likely to remain a contentious issue.
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