Exit the National Digital Council (CNNum), make way for the National Council for AI and Digital Technology (CIAN). This transition signals much more than a cosmetic overhaul, but a strategic shift that places artificial intelligence as an absolute national priority. Faced with a technology that is redrawing the contours of our society, France is thus providing itself with an "expert and independent compass." The mission of the CIAN will be to "inform public decision-making," nothing less. To stay the course, a high-flying tandem has been appointed. On the one hand, Anne Bouverot, a leading figure at the ENS and architect of "trusted AI" via the Abeona Foundation, embodies the alliance of innovation and ethics. On the other hand, Guillaume Poupard, the former guardian of national cybersecurity at the head of ANSSI, now at Docaposte, brings the imperative of cybersecurity and digital sovereignty. This duo reflects a vision of artificial intelligence, namely a controlled and secure AI.
From CNNum to CIAN: the necessary evolution?
The CIAN is not starting from scratch and is in line with the CNNum, whose "collective and interdisciplinary" legacy Minister Chappaz praised. The CNNum had certainly paved the way, from "AI Cafés" to the regulation of social networks, but the era has changed. The lightning acceleration of AI requires more advanced expertise and increased responsiveness. This is the meaning of this new structure, a tight-knit college of fourteen wise men, including parliamentarians to ensure a direct link with the lawmaking process.
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This initiative is deeply rooted in the national strategy for artificial intelligence and the France 2030 plan, with the clear ambition of positioning France as an "AI power". In the global arena, facing the American and Chinese titans, and while Europe attempts to chart its own course with the AI Act, "digital sovereignty" is no longer an abstract concept, but a strategic imperative. The CIAN is therefore entrusted with a key mission: to advise the executive to strengthen this autonomy, support French champions, and ensure that the fruits of AI benefit everyone. The challenge is immense, and it will be necessary to navigate between promoting innovation and the need to manage risks, adapt to constantly evolving technologies, and, above all, transform recommendations into concrete political action.
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