Designed to give digital an institutional voice, the National Digital Council (CNNUM) will never have escaped the ambiguity of its status, independent in the texts, fragile in fact. After years of wandering and several reconfigurations, the state act today. Thursday in Vivatech, Clara Chappaz has formalized its transformation into Acronym Cian of National AI and Digital Council. A moult that says more about the past than on the future.
“At a time when digital technology has never been so political, we are dating a free, independent, expert and open space for reflection,” said the Minister for Digital.
A think tank with variable visibility
Created in April 2011 by presidential decree under Nicolas Sarkozythe CNNUM was aimed at advise the government on the impact of digital technology on society and the economy. It brought together around thirty members from the technological sector, civil society and research. From the start, the casting impresses: Xavier Niel, Marc Simoncini, Jacques Antoine Granjon, Gilles Babinet, Jean Baptiste Rudelle … But the institution, without clear or means, remains very symbolic. Barely 1 year old, and already a change of governance with Patrick Bertrand who must reframe the trajectory
It is gradually structured under the chairmanship of Benoît Thieulinwhich organizes the “Digital ambition” consultation in 2014-2015. 17,000 contributionsa Civic Tech platform with Open Democracy, workshops in Lille, Bordeaux or Nantes, a report submitted to Manuel Valls (Emmanuel Macron was then Minister of the Economy), And for once, The CNNUM develops a proposal that inspires. The government announces its digital strategy in stride.
2017: the Diallo case, independence put in naked
The tilting occurs at the end of 2017. Marie Ekelandco -founder of Daphni, takes over the presidency of the CNNUM. She names Rokhaya Diallo And rapper Axiom in an opening logic. Immediate outcry, activist, criticism of “state racism”, is deemed too sulphurous and Mounir Mahjoubiex-president of the CNNUM who became secretary of state, publicly releases his successor.
In a week, Marie Ekeland resignsfollowed by 27 out of 30 members. In her letter, she denounces a impossibility of guaranteeing the independence of the council. The scene makes the front page of New York Times under the title “FRANCE FAILLES TO FACE UP TO RACISM”. The government discreetly repeals the 2012 decree and puts on the track A new CNNUM in 2018.
2018/2020: A more critical posture
Under the chairmanship of Salwa Tokothe CNNUM takes up a new line:
- He opposes the Avia law On hateful content, deemed attacks on freedoms. The Constitutional Council censorship part.
- He criticizes the social charters of platformsdefends a more restrictive regulation to protect Uberized workers.
- He militates for Digital accessibility For people with disabilities, and denounces the complexity of regulatory derogations.
In parallel, he piloted the Estates General of new digital regulations. The consultation, organized between 2018 and 2019, addresses competition, social rights, freedom of expression, and proposes the creation of a Platform Observatory which brings together 900 contributions, 800 participants, but Few concrete consequences are given.
2020/2023: the silence of the machines
While the debate on digital sovereignty, AI, cloud and European regulation is intensifying, The CNNUM becomes almost silent. Its annual budget falls to 48,000 eurosbehind the scenes, its members struggle to make their recommendations exist.
IA cafes, when the CNNUM returns to the field
The recovery comes in 2023 via IA cafesorganized under the leadership of Gilles Babinet. The objective is to see AI on the ground. In less than a year, the CNNUM coordinates Over 500 events Organized in 90 departments, associating many Allan of town halls with citizen associations, libraries, third-places or neighborhood houses, and mobilizing active participation of Researchers, teachers, digital mediatorssometimes elected officials or local businesses. Each event is designed to provoke a citizen exchange, not a descending conference.
The success of the program surprises until the minister’s office. The Élysée then decides to fix a new target to reach 2 million people awareface -to -face or online, by 2026.
The program will be maintained and extended under the aegis of the Cian, but its Origin and its legitimacy remain to be put to the credit of Gilles Babinet.
Cian, new structure, same tensions?
THE National AI and Digital Council (Cian) So regains the hand, with a tightened organization. It will be Chaired by Anne Bouverotex-DG of Orange Business Services and Special IA envoy. By his side, Guillaume Poupardformer boss of the ANSSI, today at Docaposte.
“It is not a question of fundamental research but of supporting bills, political decisions …”, he told Vivatech.
The Cian will be attached to High-Commissariat at Planwith 14 members from civil society and ad hoc working groups. Ambition is now produce recommendationsin connection with Brussels, Dinum, or ANSSI.
An assumed break with the previous model
Clara Chappaz sketched the usual speech with the new Cian priorities with theadoption of AI in SMEs,, digital sovereignty,, cybersecurity,, disinformation,, Protection of young people public. THE Technopolitical format is new and the Cian is positioned as the state technical influence bodyat the border between expertise, regulation and execution.
After a Cnnum more decorative than useful, let us hope that the Cian which will benefit from a direct government interface will be more attached to power.
The decree is expected in the coming weeks. No budget has yet been announced.
