The stakes are high both for the governments, which are counting on the digital economy to drive growth and innovation amid domestic political tensions, and the companies, which view the region’s social-media-loving population of 641 million as a key growth market.
Thailand also urged discussion on how to demand “economic contributions” from the Internet firms, whether through taxes or fees. The initiatives reflect widespread concern that Internet services, to which most people in the region have gained access only in the past few years, are fanning ethnic and religious animosities while avoiding paying their fair share.According to Freedom House’s 2018 Net Freedom survey, all Asean countries rank as either not free or partly free.
“The potential of the region’s digital economy will likely be blunted by over-regulation or indiscriminate taxes and fees,” said Jeff Paine, urging governments to focus on “industry partnerships and collaborations.”
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