France
The 2023 DESI (Digital Economy and Society Index) report highlights France’s progress towards the EU’s Digital Decade targets for 2030. In the area of digital skills, 82% of the population regularly uses the internet, with 54% possessing at least basic digital skills and 26% having above basic digital skills. When it comes to digital infrastructure, 41% of households have broadband with speeds of at least 100 Mbps, while 16% have access to 1 Gbps broadband. The coverage for fixed very high-capacity networks (VHCN) reaches 71% of households, and mobile broadband subscriptions stand at 100 per 100 people. France also boasts 80% 5G coverage in populated areas and has assigned 56% of its total 5G spectrum.
In the digital transformation of businesses, 55% of SMEs have at least a basic level of digital intensity. Electronic information sharing is adopted by 34% of enterprises, while 46% use social media. Adoption rates for big data and cloud services are lower, at 22%, and 20% of enterprises utilize AI. In e-commerce, 18% of SMEs sell online, generating 15% of their turnover from e-commerce, with 9% engaging in cross-border sales.
Regarding the digitalisation of public services, 65% of internet users in France engage with e-government services, and the country scores 67 in digital public services for citizens, slightly below the EU average of 68. Overall, while France is making progress towards its digital targets, there is a need for accelerated efforts in cloud adoption, AI, and e-commerce to fully realize its digital potential and economic value.
Internet governance
Internet governance in France involves a multi-faceted approach that encompasses regulation, policy-making, and international cooperation. It aims to balance the promotion of digital innovation with the protection of citizens’ rights and national security. The French government plays an active role in shaping the internet landscape through various regulatory bodies, legal frameworks, and participation in international forums.
Regulatory Bodies
- ARCEP (Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes): ARCEP is the independent agency responsible for regulating telecommunications in France. It oversees the implementation of internet policies, ensures fair competition among service providers, and protects consumer rights.
- CNIL (Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés): CNIL is the French data protection authority. It enforces compliance with data privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and ensures that individuals’ personal data is protected.
Key Policies and Legal Frameworks
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): As an EU member state, France enforces GDPR, which provides robust protections for personal data and sets stringent requirements for data handling by organizations.
- Digital Republic Act (Loi pour une République numérique): This law, enacted in 2016, aims to promote digital inclusion, enhance data protection, and foster the digital economy. Key provisions include open data initiatives, stronger privacy protections, and support for digital innovation.
- Hate Speech Regulation: France has implemented laws to combat online hate speech, including the Avia Law, which requires social media platforms to remove hateful content within 24 hours of notification. Although parts of the law were struck down by the Constitutional Council, it reflects France’s commitment to addressing harmful online behavior.
- Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA): These EU regulations, which France supports and implements, aim to create a safer and fairer digital space. The DSA focuses on content moderation and platform accountability, while the DMA addresses competition issues and monopolistic practices by large tech companies.
International Engagement
France actively participates in international internet governance forums and organizations, such as:
- Internet Governance Forum (IGF): France engages in the IGF to discuss global internet governance issues and promote its perspectives on digital policy.
- Council of Europe: France contributes to the Council of Europe’s work on internet governance, particularly in areas such as human rights online and cybercrime.
- European Union: As an EU member, France collaborates with other member states to shape digital policies and regulations that impact the entire region.
Digital strategies
France has developed comprehensive digital strategies and policies to foster innovation, enhance digital infrastructure, promote cybersecurity, and ensure digital inclusion. These initiatives aim to position France as a leader in the digital economy while protecting the rights and privacy of its citizens.
Key Strategies and Policies
- Objectives: Launched in 2018, this strategy aims to boost the digital transformation of French businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It focuses on increasing the adoption of digital tools, improving digital skills, and supporting digital innovation.
- Initiatives: The program includes financial support for digital projects, training programs, and the creation of digital hubs to foster collaboration and innovation.
National Broadband Plan (Plan France Très Haut Débit)
- Objectives: Launched in 2013, this plan aims to provide high-speed internet access to all French households by 2022. It seeks to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to digital services.
- Initiatives: The plan involves significant investment in fiber optic networks, subsidies for rural broadband deployment, and collaboration with local governments and private sector partners.
- Objectives: To integrate digital technologies into the French education system at all levels, from primary schools to universities. This strategy aims to enhance digital literacy, equip students with essential digital skills, and promote innovative teaching methods.
- Initiatives: Includes the deployment of digital devices in classrooms, development of digital educational resources, and training programs for teachers to effectively use digital tools in education.
E-Government Strategy (Action Publique 2022)
- Objectives: To modernize the French public administration by leveraging digital technologies to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. The strategy focuses on providing citizens and businesses with easy access to public services online.
- Initiatives: Key initiatives include the development of a single digital portal for all government services, the implementation of electronic identification systems, and the digitization of administrative processes.
- Objectives: To ensure that all citizens, including those in rural and underserved areas, have access to digital technologies and the skills needed to use them effectively. This strategy aims to bridge the digital divide and promote social inclusion.
- Initiatives: The strategy includes the establishment of digital inclusion hubs, provision of digital training programs for vulnerable populations, and subsidies for low-income households to access digital devices and internet services.
National Strategy for Cloud Computing (Cloud First)
- Objectives: To promote the adoption of cloud computing services in both the public and private sectors. This strategy aims to enhance data security, improve operational efficiency, and support digital transformation efforts.
- Initiatives: Key initiatives include the development of a secure and sovereign cloud infrastructure, support for cloud-based innovation projects, and guidelines for public sector cloud adoption.
Cybersecurity
France has developed a robust cybersecurity framework to address the increasing threats in the digital world. The country’s approach encompasses a wide range of strategies, regulations, and initiatives designed to protect its national security, critical infrastructure, and citizens’ data.
Key Organizations
- ANSSI (Agence Nationale de la Sécurité des Systèmes d’Information)
- Role: ANSSI is the national authority responsible for cybersecurity in France. It plays a central role in the development and implementation of national cybersecurity policies and provides guidance and support to both public and private sectors.
- Initiatives: ANSSI oversees the protection of government networks, conducts audits and assessments of critical infrastructure, and promotes cybersecurity best practices across various industries (AI Watch).
- CLUSIF (Club de la Sécurité de l’Information Français)
- Role: CLUSIF is a non-profit organization that brings together cybersecurity professionals to share knowledge and best practices. It plays a significant role in raising awareness about cybersecurity issues and promoting a culture of security within French organizations.
- CERT-FR (Centre gouvernemental de veille, d’alerte et de réponse aux attaques informatiques)
- Role: CERT-FR is the national Computer Emergency Response Team. It is responsible for responding to cybersecurity incidents, issuing alerts and warnings about threats, and coordinating responses to cyberattacks.
- Initiatives: CERT-FR operates under ANSSI, providing critical incident response services, threat intelligence, and cybersecurity advisories to mitigate risks and manage incidents effectively.
Key Strategies and Policies
- National Cybersecurity Strategy
- Objectives: To enhance the resilience of national infrastructure, protect critical information systems, and ensure the security of digital services. This strategy focuses on both defensive and offensive capabilities.
- Initiatives: The strategy includes the development of a national cybersecurity certification framework, support for cybersecurity research and innovation, and strengthening international cooperation in cybersecurity efforts.
- Cybersecurity Act (Loi de Programmation Militaire 2019-2025)
- Objectives: Part of the broader military programming law, this act includes provisions for enhancing cybersecurity capabilities within the French armed forces and protecting critical military and civilian infrastructure.
- Initiatives: The law mandates increased investment in cybersecurity technologies, the establishment of cyber defense units, and the development of a national cyber defense strategy.
- Cyber Campus
- Objectives: Launched as a central hub for cybersecurity in France, the Cyber Campus aims to foster collaboration between government, industry, and academia. It serves as a center for innovation, training, and operational cooperation in cybersecurity.
- Initiatives: The campus hosts various cybersecurity startups, research institutions, and public sector entities, providing a space for the development of new cybersecurity solutions and the sharing of best practices.
International Cooperation
France actively participates in international cybersecurity efforts through collaboration with other countries, international organizations, and regional initiatives. This includes involvement in the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, and the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise.
AI strategies and policies
France is actively positioning itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) through strategic investments, robust policies, and international collaborations. The French government, academic institutions, and private sector are all contributing to the development and implementation of AI technologies.
National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Launched in 2018 and updated in 2021, the National AI Strategy aims to establish France as a leader in AI by focusing on research, ethics, and the application of AI across various sectors. The strategy was reinforced in 2021 with a second phase to increase the number of trained professionals and support sector-specific AI innovations.
- Funding: The strategy is backed by a significant investment, initially €1.5 billion over 2018-2022, with an additional €2.22 billion allocated for 2021-2025. This includes public and private funding aimed at enhancing AI research, development, and deployment.
Key Institutions and Initiatives
- Inria (National Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation)
- Role: Inria is a leading institution in AI research and development in France, coordinating various AI projects and initiatives. It collaborates with other research institutions, industry partners, and international organizations.
- Initiatives: Inria coordinates the 3IA Institutes (Interdisciplinary Institutes for Artificial Intelligence), which focus on advancing AI research and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.
- ANR (National Research Agency)
- Role: ANR supports AI research through funding and grants, fostering innovation and technological advancement.
- Initiatives: The agency funds collaborative AI research projects, including the trilateral French-Japanese-German research projects on AI.
- AI for Humanity Initiative
- Objectives: This initiative focuses on the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies. It emphasizes transparency, fairness, and the responsible use of AI.
- Initiatives: Establishment of the Pilot National Digital Ethics Committee (CNPEN), which leads public discussions on AI ethics and governance.
- AI France Hub
- Role: The AI France Hub serves as a central point for AI research, innovation, and collaboration. It brings together startups, research institutions, and industry players to foster AI development.
- Initiatives: The hub hosts various events, workshops, and training programs to promote AI adoption and innovation.
General profile
Official name: French Republic
National internet domain: FR
Area: 643,801 km2
Capital: Paris
Population: 67,97 million
Population growth: 0.3
Annual population growth rate for year t is the exponential rate of growth of midyear population from year t-1 to t, expressed as a percentage. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.Life expectancy at birth: 82.32
Total years (2020year)Rule of law estimate: 1.29
Rule of Law captures perceptions of the extent to which agents have confidence in and abide by the rules of society, and in particular the quality of contract enforcement, property rights, the police, and the courts, as well as the likelihood of crime and violence. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately -2.5 to 2.5 (Estimate 2021)
Regulatory quality estimate: 1.2
Political stability: 0.37
Economic info
Currency: euro
Unemployment: 8.06
Unemployment, total (% of total labor force)GDP (current US$): 2,7 trillion
GDP growth (annual %): 2.5
GDP per capita (current US$): 40,886
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %): 1.64
GNI (current US$): 2,7 trillion
The Gross National Income, GNI, formerly referred to as gross national product (GNP), measures the total domestic and foreign value added claimed by residents, at a given period in time, usually a year, expressed in current US dollars using the World Bank Atlas method. GNI comprises GDP plus net receipts of primary income (compensation of employees and property income) from non-resident sources.Ease of doing business score: 76.8
The ease of doing business score benchmarked economies concerning their proximity to the best performance in each area measured by Doing Business for the year 2019. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from0 = lowest performance to 100 = best performance
Digital profile
Internet and social media penetration:
Individuals using the internet, total (%): 86.1 (2021)
Social media statistics: 50.70 million
Estimate for 2024Male internet users: 86.7 (2021)
Male internet users as a % of total male populationFacebook users: 29.95 million million
Estimate for 2024Female internet users: 85.5 (2021)
Female Internet users as a % of total female populationInstagram users: 25.90 million
Estimate for 2024Households with internet access at home (%): 87.2 (2021)
Linkedin users: 29.00 million
Estimate for 2024Fixed broadband subscriptions: 47.5 (2020)
Total fixed broadband subscriptions (per 100 people) refers to fixed subscriptions to high-speed access to the public internet (a TCP/IP connection), at downstream speeds equal to, or greater than, 256 kbit/s.Twitter users: 17.46 million
Estimate for 2024Mobile infrastructure and access:
Mobile ownership: 93.62
Mobile phone ownership as a % of total population (Estimate for 2021)Mobile Infrastructure: 81.63
Mobile Infrastructure index: High-performance mobile internet coverage availability. It includes parameters such as network coverage, performance, quality of supporting infrastructure and amount of spectrum assigned to mobile network operators (Estimate for 2021)Male mobile ownership: 96 (2021)
Male mobile phone ownership as a % of total male populationMobile Affordability: 78.39
Mobile Affordability index : The availability of mobile services and devices at price points that reflect the level of income across a national population. It includes parameters such as mobile tariffs, headset prices, taxation and inequality (Estimate for 2021)Female mobile ownership: No data
Female mobile phone ownership as a % of total female populationCybersecurity Index: 97.6
Cybersecurity Index (Estimate for 2021): ITU cybersecurity valueNetwork performance: 80.38
Network performance index: Quality of mobile services measured by download speed, upload speed and latencies (Estimate for 2021)Mobile download speeds: 100.0
Mobile download speeds: Average download speed for mobile users (originally in Mbit/s) (Estimate for 2021)Mobile uploads speeds: 57.55
Mobile uploads speeds: average uploads speed for mobile users (originally in Mbit/s) (Estimate for 2021)Mobile Latencies: 83.59
Mobile Latencies: Average latency for mobile users (originally in milliseconds) (Estimate for 2021)Speedtest-Broadband: 108.6
Speedtest-Broadband: The value is expressed in Mbps (Estimate for 2021)Network coverage: 97.05
Network coverage (% of total population) (Estimate for 2021)2G Coverage: 99.0
Coverage % of population (Estimate for 2021)3G Coverage: 99.6
Coverage % of population (Estimate for 2021)4G Coverage: 99.0
Coverage % of population (Estimate for 2021)5G Coverage: 77.09
Coverage % of population (Estimate for 2021)Operating system and browser market share estimate for 2022:
Operating system market share (%):
Desktop, Tablet & Console Operating System Market Share: Estimate for 2022Browser market share (%):
Browser Market Share Worldwide: Estimate for 2022Android: 32.3
Chrome: 54.34
Win10: 25.15
Safari: 25.41
iOS: 22.33
Edge: 5.55
OS X: 8.91
Firefox: 8.09
Win11: 4.42
Samsung Internet: 2.92
The UN E-Government Survey 2022:
The UN E-Government Survey is the assessment of the digital government landscape across all UN member states. The E-Government Survey is informed by over two decades of longitudinal research, with a ranking of countries based on the UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI), a combination of primary data (collected and owned by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs) and secondary data from other UN agencies.E-Government Rank: 19
Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI), a combination of primary data (collected and owned by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs) and secondary data from other UN agencies. Estimate gives the country's rank.E-Government Index: 0.88
The EGDI is a composite measure of three important dimensions of e-government, namely: provision of online services, telecommunication connectivity and human capacity. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately 0 to 1.E-Participation Index: 0.72
The E-Participation Index (EPI) is derived as a supplementary index to the United Nations E-Government Survey. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately 0 to 1.Online Service Index: 0.88
The online services index was developed by the UN to evaluate the scope and quality of government online services. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately 0 to 1.Human Capital Index: 0.88
The Human Capital Index (HCI) quantiï¬_x0081_es the contribution of health and education to the productivity of the next generation of workers. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately 0 to 1.Telecommunication Infrastructure Index: 0.89
Telecommunication Infrastructure Index- Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII) Composite Indicator that measures the countries' Telecommunication infrastructure readiness to adopt the opportunities offered by Information and Communication Technology as to enhance their competitiveness. Estimate gives the country's score ranging from approximately 0 to 1.ICT information:
ICT skills
Information economy indicators
Individuals with basic ICT skills (%): 63.8 (2021)
Share of ICT goods, % of total exports (value) 3.64 (2021)
Individuals with standard ICT skills (%): 51 (2021)
Share of ICT goods, % of total import (value): 6.45 (2021)
Individuals with advanced ICT skills (%): 5.7 (2021)
Most visited website: wikipedia.org
The survey conducted in 2022 excluded global dominant sites (e.g., YouTube, Facebook, and Google) and search engines (e.g., Yahoo, Baidu, DuckDuckGo, Naver, and Yandex) to level the playing field and discount middle-man visits. Likewise, it did not include adult, betting, illegal streaming/downloading services, and malicious websites.
