These unilateral developments differ in their specifics, but they all seek to tax multinationals on revenue that countries believe they should have a right to tax, even if international tax rules do not grant them that right. In other words, they all reflect a view that the international tax system has failed to keep up with changes in the economy.

The general outlines of that system originated in the early 20th century, and all of these recent proposals and provisions suggest that it needs to be updated for a world in which companies can make significant amounts of income without ever being physically present in a country or selling any tangible goods.

In response to these many unilateral measures, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is working with 131 countries to reach a consensus on an international solution by the end of 2020. Both France and the United States are involved in the organization’s work, but France’s digital services tax and the American response raise questions about what the future holds for the international tax system.

One possible path is for countries to follow France’s lead and impose their own digital services taxes. The downsides of this are not only that the United States may take retaliatory measures but also that such taxes could subject companies to layers of new taxes, all with slightly different rates, definitions of digital services and determinations of taxing rights. This could lead to the same revenue being taxed multiple times or could make it harder for countries to get what they see as their due if others have already staked a claim to that revenue.

Another possible path would be for countries to see France’s move as a portent of the disorder that could arise if they do not reach an agreement at the international level. This could push them to participate more fully in the O.E.C.D.’s digital tax project. The proposals being considered by that group could lead to significant changes to the international tax system, with the potential for increased taxes, taxation in more countries and new rules for companies.