France’s International Digital Strategy

The international strategy of France for digital technology is a comprehensive framework aimed at promoting a digital world that is open, diversified, and trustworthy. This strategy is crafted to address the dynamic challenges and opportunities presented by the digital revolution, which profoundly impacts economic, social, and political landscapes globally.

This strategic document serves as a roadmap for France’s international digital actions in the coming years, focusing on leveraging EU collaboration to effectively promote a digital model that aligns with French and European interests and values.

Objectives and Vision

The strategy envisions a digital ecosystem that aligns with democratic values, fosters innovation, and ensures security and trust. France aims to leverage its influence within the European Union (EU) to advocate for a balanced approach that respects fundamental rights while promoting economic growth and security.

Key Components

1. Promoting an Open, Diversified, and Trustworthy Digital World

1.1 Preserving an Open International Digital Environment

• Democratic Internet Governance: France supports a multistakeholder model that includes governments, private sector entities, and civil society. This model ensures the democratic, representative, and inclusive governance of the internet.
• Interoperability: France aims to maintain the interoperability of networks, services, and applications to prevent the fragmentation of the internet. This involves supporting international standards and promoting the inclusion of diverse actors in internet governance.

1.2 Ensuring Access to a Diverse Digital Environment

• Affordable and Safe Internet: France promotes global access to affordable, open, and secure internet, supporting infrastructure development in developing countries.
• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Efforts include supporting multilingualism and the preservation of cultural diversity online, sharing technical and institutional innovations, and integrating ecological and digital transitions.

1.3 Strengthening Trust in the Digital World

• International Law in Cyberspace: France advocates for the application of international law to cyberspace, enhancing global cybersecurity frameworks, and combating cybercrime and the use of digital technology for terrorism.
• Encryption and Privacy: Promoting the culture of encryption among citizens to protect privacy and enhance security.

2. Fostering a European Digital Environment Balancing Public Freedoms, Growth, and Security

2.1 Effective Protection of Rights

• Personal Data Control: France ensures that individuals can control their personal data, advocating for European legal standards globally.
• Transparency of Platforms: Promoting transparency and fairness in the operations of digital platforms, ensuring intellectual property rights are protected online.

2.2 Strengthening the European Digital Ecosystem

• Digital Economy: Creating a favourable environment for the European digital economy by ensuring fair competition, tax regulation, and promoting digital innovation and infrastructure development.
• Cybersecurity: Enhancing the cybersecurity capabilities of European nations and fostering a robust cybersecurity industry within Europe.

2.3 Strategic Autonomy

• Technological Sovereignty: Mastering essential digital infrastructures and emerging technologies to ensure Europe’s strategic autonomy.
• Telecommunications Infrastructure: Encouraging the deployment of advanced telecommunications networks across Europe.

3. Enhancing the Influence, Attractiveness, and Security of France and French Digital Actors

3.1 Excellence in the Digital World

• Business Development: Supporting the growth of French digital enterprises within Europe and internationally, fostering innovative approaches to open data.
• Internationalisation: Strengthening the attractiveness and global reach of French digital ecosystems.

3.2 Strategic Security and Autonomy

• Strategic Thinking: Developing strategic frameworks for cybersecurity and increasing resilience against digital threats.
• Collective Cybersecurity: Building international partnerships to enhance collective cybersecurity efforts.