Joint session of the Arcep and Arcom plenary assemblies: the two authorities intensify their collaboration, particularly on the environmental impact of digital technology.
The plenary boards of Arcep and Arcom met on Monday September 26. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the joint work of the two authorities on the digital fingerprint, a priority for the "Arcep - Arcom digital cluster". It also provided an opportunity to discuss a number of topics of common interest, such as developments in the audiovisual industry and the regulation of digital platforms.
Environmental challenges posed by digital technology: numerous projects carried out jointly by the two institutions, in collaboration with ADEME (French Environment and Energy Management Agency).
In particular, this work follows on from the missions entrusted by the legislature as part of the recent legislative schemes passed in the 2nd half of 2021 (the "Climate and Resilience Law" and the law aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of digital in France). They aim to:
- gain a clearer picture of the environmental impact of different broadcasting methods for audiovisual media services;
- define the content of a general eco-design reference framework for digital services;
- publish a notice on consumer information for television services, on-demand audiovisual media services and video-sharing platform services.
Digital usage trends: Arcep-Arcom digital usage repository expanded and Arcom joins Arcep in developing digital barometer
The two institutions have continued their work on enhancing their digital usage repository, with the publication of the second edition in March 2022. The aim of the reference framework is to aggregate data from a variety of established sources, and provide centralized, quantified data on fixed network rollouts, mobile network coverage, internet access, receiver in homes, internet and audiovisuel usage. This second edition of the benchmark integrates new themes, such as the length of time smartphones are held and their environmental impact, or the use of parental control tools on the Internet.
Arcep and Arcom are also strengthening their collaboration on the Digital Barometer. The age and regularity of this survey, piloted by Arcep, CGE and ANCT since 2000, make the digital barometer a benchmark study. Its objectives are to :
- to encourage everyone to embrace digital technology;
- measure the uptake of digital equipment in France, and study digital practices;
- detect inequalities in access and skills, whether voluntary or involuntary;
- enable public authorities to anticipate major trends.
The next edition of the Digital Barometer will be published in early 2023.
The work of the two institutions on the regulation of digital platforms
Today's joint meeting provided an opportunity to continue discussions on developments in the digital and audiovisual industries, and to present the work carried out by Arcep and Arcom over the past year on the Digital Services Regulation (DSA) and the Digital Market Regulation (DMA) at national and European level (BEREC and ERGA). During the year, the two institutions also organized an experience-sharing workshop on the regulation of digital platforms. Discussions were also held on the ongoing work of the two institutions with the Pôle d'Expertise de la Régulation Numérique (PEReN).
About the joint Arcep - Arcom digital cluster
The aim of the Arcep - Arcom joint digital cluster is to deepen the technical, economic and environmental analyses of digital markets, and to support the two regulators in the implementation of their new missions in the digital field. It also aims to provide the general public with common reference data on these subjects.
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 France's Internet, fixed, mobile and postal telecoms exchange networks.
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.