France to take legal action against Google, Apple for 'abusive' practices

France will take authorized motion in opposition to Google and Apple for "abusive enterprise practices", Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire stated Wednesday as transatlantic ties threaten to be riven by a commerce battle.

"I consider in an economic system primarily based on justice and I'll take Google and Apple earlier than the Paris Business Court docket for abusive enterprise practices" in opposition to French start-ups, Le Maire stated on RTL radio.

He stated start-ups face situations imposed on them when promoting their apps on Google and Apple which "additionally collect information" and "each can unilaterally modify contracts."

The minister stated the scenario is unacceptable.

"I think about that Google and Apple, as highly effective as they're, should not deal with our start-ups and our builders in the best way they do as we speak," stated Le Maire.

The motion in opposition to the companies comes as US President Donald Trump has moved in direction of imposing a 25-percent tariff on imported metal and 10-percent tariff on imports of aluminium.

It's unclear if European nations will acquire waivers, with Trump having singled out the EU as treating the USA badly in commerce ties and threatening to tax automobiles as properly.

Le Maire has beforehand threatened to tax the 2 companies primarily based on their gross sales in France, denouncing the authorized methods they use to pay taxes at decrease charges in different EU international locations.

He added the present motion might lead to penalties reaching a number of million euros.

"My responsiblity is to make sure financial legislation and order," stated Le Maire. "There are guidelines. There may be justice. It ought to be revered."

Tech start-ups are a favorite of French President Emmanuel Macron, who has sought to overtake the nation's legal guidelines and rules to permit entrepreneurs to flourish.