Axelle Lemaire & her Digital Economy

“ 80% of the French people want businesses online.” - Axelle Lemaire.

On 15, April, 2016 Axelle Lemaire, the French Minister of State for Digital Affairs, spoke at King’s College London about the role of the digital economy in the ever evolving environment of the French State and European Union.

Mme Lemaire, an alumna of King’s College London and a major proponent of net neutrality, spoke about her legislation, La République numérique. This legislation critically addresses:

i) State accountability & open data in the context of consumer rights & cyber protection - who does this fall upon? The consumer, state or service provider?

iii) A global approach: Within the EU there is a need to harmonise digital data ergo the need for one rather than twenty eight digital policies.

iv) A digital republic and digital disruption: An ethos of innovation and entrepreneurship needs to be cultivated and encouraged. Hence the 11 ‘tech hubs’ not only in France but Europe too with the most recent hub being launched in London.

She spoke about six *ports* to which this bill would be answerable: individuals, businesses, the state, the government, Europe & the world - “ Twenty-first century France must embrace digital technology, prepare for future developments, take up all the opportunities and shape a society that embodies the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity.”

The talk was followed by an expert panel discussion with Perry Keller from the Dickson Poon School of Law, Dr Mark Coté from the Department of Digital Humanities, Professor Luca Viganò from the Department of Informatics and moderated by Dr Tommaso Venturini from the Department of Digital Humanities.

To listen to the full event click here.