The Digital Transformation of Administrative Services in France

It is undeniable that fewer and fewer French citizens are satisfied with the Administration. Archaic methods and resources, bureaucracy, and inefficiency are the common criticisms leveled against it. Today, a new era is emerging: that of E-government. Could this mark the end of administrative paperwork?

Is the digital transition a necessity for public administration?

Several studies have been conducted, including the 2016 Gouv’ Digital Barometer, to gauge public satisfaction with the Administration. The results are clear: citizens are calling for the centralization of data and services, a simplification of administrative procedures, and equal access to these resources.

In an effort to improve efficiency and meet these expectations, several administrative services are now available online. This practice simplifies the interactions between citizens and the central administration.

Behind the scenes, this operation involves the digitalization of several procedures. Indeed, citizens are becoming increasingly demanding: they want to complete administrative tasks from home, yet they still desire guidance from an agent. Consequently, this support will also be provided virtually, through the implementation of pre-filled forms and messaging services featuring pre-recorded responses. It is clear that this approach results in significant time savings.

French citizens will no longer have to wait in line for a birth certificate that you can available at your local town hall or online also, to social security or the prefecture. Today, an internet connection is all you need.

Taxation and the transition to the digital era

The most widely recognized example of digital transformation within the public administration can be found in the tax sector. Tax returns and payments are now available online.

Furthermore, among the most developed digital services in Europe, taxation and tax filing (including income tax returns) are among the most advanced and widely used areas. Arcep, the telecommunications regulatory authority, even confirms this trend in the Digital Barometer 2016. This study shows that French people use the Internet particularly to “pay their taxes and handle all types of administrative paperwork.” In fact, 62% of those surveyed in France reported doing so, representing a 9-point increase.

To encourage taxpayers to file their returns and adopt online practices, a 15-euro penalty will be imposed on those who fail to file.

On the other hand, it is evident that the digitalization of other services varies by sector and country. In France, the healthcare and civil registry sectors are considered high priorities.

Data Security

When it comes to online services, the two critical issues to address are security and personal data privacy. These two criteria also act as significant hurdles to the effective implementation of e-government. Furthermore, it is not only individuals who stand to benefit; businesses are equally impacted.

However, 65% of French citizens say they trust the government to ensure the security of their digital data.

Furthermore, the French Administration is considered a model for e-government, according to a study conducted by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.