Everyone who buys a smartphone, tablet or set-top box will pay a levy of up to €5 from next year to cover the cost of home copying.



The exact size of the charge largely depends on the storage capacity, junior justice minister Fred Teeven said in a briefing to MPs.

Video players will have a fixed levy of €2, computers and laptops €5.

The cabinet had wanted to scrap the levy but has decided to press ahead until an alternative is found. The new fees will run for one year.

At the moment, consumers pay a home copying charge on empty cds and dvds. The money raised will go to a special foundation which will divide up the cash between the various interest groups.



A fair move? Have your say using the comment box below.