The CNRS is encouraging public debate on digital moderation
Oct 21, 2026
The CNRS is encouraging public debate on digital moderation
As part of the Altimpact project, led by the CNRS, Ademe and Inria, the CNRS has been trialling local deliberative assemblies dedicated to digital moderation in several French regions (Grenoble, Lyon, Angers, Veynes and Mouans-Sartoux) for the past two years. Inspired by the citizens’ climate assemblies, these initiatives bring together citizens, scientists and local authorities to collectively discuss the environmental, social and societal impacts of digital technology.
Led by Françoise Berthoud, a CNRS research engineer at GRICAD and a specialist in the environmental impacts of digital technology, this initiative aims to bring digital issues back into the public debate and to support local stakeholders in developing more sustainable and responsible policies. Discussions focused in particular on dependence on major digital platforms, data protection, open-source software and digital sovereignty.
These agreements have already led to tangible changes: some local authorities are using citizens’ recommendations to define their roadmaps, whilst cultural organisations are developing solutions based on open-source software and local infrastructure to reduce their dependence on GAFAM.
At the same time, in 2025, the CNRS launched – again as part of the Altimpact project and in partnership with Ademe and Inria – a network of digital sustainability ambassadors in higher education and research. Bringing together around fifty institutions, this network aims to raise awareness and train a new generation of students and staff on the environmental challenges posed by digital technology through workshops, educational resources and open-access training courses.
Through these initiatives, the CNRS aims to make digital moderation a genuine subject of democratic debate, drawing on scientific knowledge to support changes in digital usage.
Further reading:
• CNRS article: Citizens’ conventions for digital moderation: the CNRS is repoliticising digital technology
• HAL publication: A participatory citizen-led initiative to roll out digital moderation at a local level