Five At Five: France Aims To Tax Big Tech

Welcome to Five at Five, your late look at the day’s payments and commerce news. Today’s coverage includes the latest European push to tax such companies as Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon. NCR makes a fraud prevention move, Airbnb landlords get a hefty fine, Amazon does a split take and a transit startup lands a big investment.

France’s Finance Minister Wants EU-Wide Digital Tax By Year End

The new tax would apply to Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon so that they are paying what the government sees as a fairer tax rate in the region.

NCR Buys StopLift To Prevent Retail Fraud

According to NCR, the transaction reinforces its strategic focus on self-checkout solutions that provide shoppers with an enhanced experience and also provide a return on the investment for retailers.

Airbnb Landlords Get $2.25M Fine For Illegal San Fran Rentals

The defendants offered up apartments on Airbnb rather than lawfully renting the units to residential tenants. After being caught in 2014, the duo continued to break the law and unlawfully rented 14 other apartments on the home rental site until being caught after a long investigation ended in May.

Amazon Eyes Two-City Split For HQ2

The eCommerce giant was in late-stage discussions with a handful of communities, including Crystal City in northern Virginia, Dallas and New York City.

Transit Raises $17.5M Led By Alliance Ventures

The transit startup company said the investment was led by Alliance Ventures, a joint investment arm of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi. The company helps city dwellers navigate life and move about the city without a car.