Digital uses in France: Arcep and Arcom publish the second edition of their common reference framework for digital uses

Arcep and Arcom have published the second edition of their joint reference guide to digital usage.This new edition updates and completes the reference data on digital uses and practices in France.

With this second edition, the Pôle Numérique Commun makes available to the public an updated and enriched reference tool, providing an overall view of digital uses and practices in France. This publication brings together figures from studies carried out by the two authorities on Internet coverage and access, receiver in homes and individual equipment, and Internet and audiovisuel uses. She also presents data on new themes, such as the environmental challenges associated with digital equipment, and the use of parental control tools on the Internet.

The roll-out and adoption of ultra-high-speed Internet technologies is accelerating.

The benchmark indicators underline the ever-increasing increase in very-high-speed deployment, driven by fiber optics. The majority of premises equipped with active Internet access now have very high-speed broadband (54%, +12 points in one year). At the same time, coverage of fourth-generation mobile networks continues to grow, enabling a steady increase in meanspeed.

The development of ultra-high-speed networks is helping to accelerate the go paperless habits of individuals and businesses, a phenomenon strengthened by the health crisis.

The use of social networks (67% of those aged 12 and over) and instant messaging applications (70%), online shopping (76%) and listening to online radio are all on the rise. The proliferation of SVOD (subscription video-on-demand) and pay-TV subscriptions is accompanied by a downward trend in the use of unlawful audio and video content. Health measures have led to more intensive use of television in households, with individual listening time increasing significantly during the various periods of confinement.

Small and medium-sized businesses have also adapted to these developments: 66% now have their own website to present their activities, 20% have their own e-commerce site, and 29% use online listing.

Parental control schemes: a first survey in 2021 to measure uptake

Parental control schemes are an essential tool for limiting person under 18 access to pornographic, violent or hateful content available online. According to the 2021 survey by Pôle numérique commun, 56% of parents with children aged 5 to 17 use a parental control scheme to monitor their browsing.

Environmental impact of digital: the launch of a new joint study in 2022 as part of the Arcep - Arcom Digital Cluster, in partnership with Ademe.

Increasing attention is being paid to the environmental impact of digital uses, particularly with regard to digital equipment, which is a major emitter of greenhouse gases. Among this equipment, televisions are the main emitters, ahead of laptops and smartphones. The rate of smartphone équipement continues to increase each year (79% of Internet users aged 11 and over are equipped). Among them, a very large majority (84%) use their smartphone for less than three years, and 52% keep it when they are no longer using it. Selling, donating or recycling unused smartphones remains a minority practice.

To complement the results presented in the digital usage repository, and as part of the implementation of Article 15 of the August 22, 2021 law combating climate disruption and strengthening resilience to its effects, the Arcep - Arcom Digital Cluster will launch a study in 2022 to assess in greater detail the environmental impact of the diffusion and consumption of audio and video content, with the support of Ademe.

Pass legislation aimed at reducing the environmental impact of digital technology in France has also led the Pôle numérique Arcep - Arcom, in conjunction with Ademe, to initiate discussions aimed at defining the content of a general eco-design reference framework for digital services, and drawing up a notice for audiovisual media services to communicate on the environmental impact of content consumption.

Related documents :

Arcep - Arcom common reference framework for digital uses
Summary of the Arcep - Arcom common reference framework for digital uses (infographic)

Arcep - Arcom digital center

Created in March 2020, the Arcep - Arcom joint digital cluster aims to deepen the technical and economic analysis of digital markets falling within the competence of each of the two authorities, in particular to support them in the implementation of their new regulation missions in this field.
The work program of the Arcep - Arcom digital cluster makes provision for joint studies on digital issues, the provision of joint reference data to the general public, the organization of workshops and experience-sharing, and regular meetings of a working committee on the protection of persons under 18 from online pornographic content.

It has a work program, and the agreement signed on March 2, 2020 between the two institutions makes provision for alternating coordination between the two institutions. Anne Yvrande-Billon, Director of Economy, Markets and Digital, has been coordinating the joint cluster since July 1, 2021, for a one-year term. Christophe Cousin, Director of Studies, Economic Affairs and Forecasting at Arcom, is privileged correspondent for Arcom.

To find out more, click here:
Presentation of the Arcep- Arcom digital cluster on the Arcep website

About Arcep
The Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques, des postes et de la distribution de la presse, an expert and neutral arbitrator with the status of an independent administrative authority, is the architect and guardian of the Internet, fixed, mobile and postal telecoms networks and press distribution in France.

About Arcom
Arcom is an independent public authority that guarantees freedom of communication. Its mission is to ensure that the public has access to a plurality of audio and video supplies that respect rights and freedoms, to defend creativity and to help fight agains unlawful and problematic content on the Internet.