Tax Google, Facebook as telecom companies? Spain considering new law

Under the proposed rules internet companies such as Alphabet Inc. and Facebook Inc, would have to disclose their sales from messaging services in the country

Spain will seek to tax all companies that operate telecommunications services, such as calls and instant messaging, according to Telecommunications Secretary Roberto Sanchez.

Under a new law proposed by the government, "all operators who provide telecommunication services without having to provide phone numbers, such as WhatsApp" and Telegram would have to register as telecommunications operators and would be taxed based on revenue, Sanchez said in a press conference. Currently, only phone operators that can provide phone numbers need to sign up as telecom operators, he said.

Under the proposed rules, which would require parliamentary approval, internet companies such as Alphabet Inc. and