UK survey finds majority support higher digital services tax on big tech
8 reported
A survey released Monday by the Fair Tax Foundation indicates that 67% of UK respondents believe the government should charge higher digital services taxes on multinational technology groups to increase their overall tax contribution in the country. The UK’s digital services tax, introduced in 2020, is a 2% levy on revenues of search engine, social media or marketplace companies with UK sales exceeding £25 million or £500 million globally. The tax is paid by only a handful of tech firms and raised about £800 million for the exchequer in 2024-25, according to official figures. Critics argue the levy results in higher fees for paying users, and the US has opposed it, with President Donald Trump threatening to impose a “big tariff” on the UK if it does not drop the tax. The Fair Tax Foundation, which provides certification for responsible tax conduct, polls about 2,000 adults across Great Britain annually based on census data. Support for the digital services tax registered 69% in 2025 and 67% in 2026, the report stated.
What’s reported
67% of respondents support higher digital services taxes on multinational tech groups.
The UK digital services tax is 2% on revenues of search engine, social media or marketplace companies with UK sales over £25m or £500m globally.
The tax raised about £800m for the exchequer in 2024-25.
Critics argue the tax results in higher fees for paying users.
US President Donald Trump has threatened a “big tariff” on the UK if it does not drop the tax.
Three-quarters of the British public prefer to work for or shop with a business that proves it pays fair tax.
The Fair Tax Foundation polls about 2,000 adults across Great Britain annually based on ONS census data.
Support for the digital services tax was 69% in 2025 and 67% in 2026.
Key figures
Paul Monaghan, chief executive of the Fair Tax Foundation
Donald Trump, US president
Sources: The Guardian
