The French government is making a significant shift away from popular video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom by adopting a domestically developed solution. By next year, all civil servants will transition to the French videoconferencing platform, Visio. This platform not only includes an AI-driven transcription tool but also operates on a cloud infrastructure managed by a French company, emphasizing national technological independence.
Currently, Visio boasts around 40,000 users and has undergone testing over the past year to ensure its reliability and effectiveness for government operations. The government anticipates that the transition could lead to substantial cost savings, projecting a reduction of approximately €1 million ($1.2 million) annually for every 100,000 users.
This move is part of a larger initiative known as the Suite Numérique project, aimed at minimizing reliance on foreign software, particularly from the United States. Other services, including Gmail and Slack, are also set to be phased out for government operations as part of this comprehensive strategy.
David Amiel, the minister for the civil service and state reform, emphasized that the goal is to eliminate the use of non-European solutions to ensure the security and confidentiality of public communications. This approach reflects France’s commitment to digital sovereignty, particularly in light of increasing geopolitical tensions and concerns regarding foreign surveillance and potential service interruptions.
As countries worldwide evaluate their technological dependencies, France’s decision to invest in domestic solutions may serve as a foundation for a wave of similar initiatives, reinforcing national security and economic resilience.