5 March 1997

Press statement

M. François FILLON, Minister for Postal Services, Telecommunications and Space, met M. Antoine BEAUSSANT, president of the Telematics service providers group (GESTE), who gave him the draft Internet Charter written with the collaboration of the professionals in the sector, in response to the mission conveyed to him on 28 October last.

The draft presented defines the ethical principles to apply to the Internet, which include, protection of minors and human dignity, respect of public order, protection of freedom and basic rights, as well as intellectual property, and consumer protection. It confers the task of ensuring the application of these principles to a representative organisation of the sector.

M. FILLON congratulated M. BEAUSSANT for the intensive and thorough efforts made over several months, which made it possible to produce a coherent and comprehensive draft, and to advance consensus among those involved on certain important issues, as well as the definition of rules and usage for the Internet. In particular, the minister took note of the wish of those involved with the Internet that they themselves define these rules and usage, and see that they are applied.

M. François FILLON would like to see the draft charter become the subject of public debate - notably online- so as to finalise the document to bring about agreement among the largest number possible in the French Internet community.

He calls on all those involved with the Internet in France to come together, to set up an association, and to begin the debate without delay, so that the largest number of people will formally adopt a definitive version of the charter.

This important stage, that the work carried out by M. BEAUSSANT allows us to advance beyond today, will reinforce the French initiative to the OECD, which the latter institution warmly welcomed, and included in its programme. The preparatory work within the OECD for the elaboration of a charter for international cooperation on the Internet will be lead, in conjunction with the secretariat of the organisation, by Madame Isabelle FALQUE-PIERROTIN, who submitted a report to the Government last spring on questions raised by the development of the Internet.

© Secretary of State for industry - France