"Arcom embodies a new kind of regulation, better able to meet the major challenges of our time".

In a rapidly changing audiovisual and digital landscape, marked by rapid developments in usage and content, and the emergence of major international players, the creation of Arcom, the French regulatory authority for audiovisual and digital communication, opens a new page in the now long history of audiovisual regulation.

Arising from the merger of the French Superior Audiovisual Council (French Superior Audiovisual Council) and the supreme authority for the distribution and protection of intellectual property on the Internet (Hadopi), this new independent public authority aims to keep abreast of the audiovisual, digital and societal challenges of its time. As guarantor of freedom of communication, it also intends to listen to the industry, its audiences and its players. In this respect, it embodies a new type of regulation, better able to respond to the major challenges of our time.

Faced with the new challenges of the digital sphere, Arcom's missions now include the fight agains information manipulation and online hatred, as well as the protection of audiences, particularly young people. Arcom also has extensive powers to support French and European creation, from setting funding obligations for works - now extended to foreign video subscription services under the Audiovisual Media Services Directive - to protecting the associated rights. Its prerogatives in the fight against piracy have also been strengthened, to promote responsible online practices and fight the considerable loss of revenue - over a billion euros a year - resulting from illegal behavior.

The defense of freedom of communication and plurality also remains, more than ever, at the heart of our missions. In fact, Arcom's first year in office will be marked by a number of crucial elections for our country, which will place heavy demands on our mission to preserve the plurality of currents of thought and opinion. The Authority will be particularly vigilant in this respect, as it is an issue that is consubstantial with the proper functioning of our democratic society.

To carry out its many new missions in a field that lies at the heart of public freedoms, the Arcom college will henceforth be made up of nine members appointed by the executive, legislative and judicial authorities, with terms of office renewable by thirds every two years. It will be supported by a renewed internal organization, including an online platforms department and a newly-created creative department.

A total of 355 employees will put their skills and commitment at the service of this new regulator, in liaison with its many partners and interlocutors, and always in the public interest.

The Chairman of the French regulatory authority for audiovisual and digital communication

Roch-Olivier Maistre

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