The digital divide in France refers to inequalities between individuals, households, and other groups of different demographic and socioeconomic levels in France in access to information and communication technologies ("ICTs") and in the knowledge and skills needed to effectively use the information gained from connecting.
[1][2][3][4] The digital divide refers to the gap in exposure to technology needed to access the internet and online resources amongst a population.
These disparities continue to contribute to the gap that divides nations and prevents historically underprivileged groups from meeting the societal standards that will allow them to thrive in current society.
[6] The three digital divides in France are characterized as generational, social and cultural differences, according to a report released by the Center for Strategic Analysis in the French government.
[12] In 2004 the French government began a program to curb the nation's digital divide and starting offering a computer with high speed internet access to 1.2 million of its poorest citizens for just 1 euro a day.
[15] They will integrate the use of digital technologies in education to highlight good internet practices and to reduce the inequalities in schools.
There is a push to showcase 'digital natives', which are those who were born into the digital world, adapting new social behaviors because of the way they integrate new interactive technology into their lives.
The Minitel System, influenced greatly by the French government, was introduced in 1983 and "laid the groundwork for France's computerized future".
[16] The system provided French telephone users with access to online databases through their own personal phone line for no extra charge.
The Mintier System continued to grow and was able to provide access to "more than 20,000 online services before the World Wide Web even got off the ground".
The system proved to be very successful and continued to provide online content to French phone users until its demise in 2012.
[18] Unlike the United States and comparable nations, French libraries have extended hours and are open on all days of the week.
[12] Librarians working in these facilities generally have an aspiration to help those of struggling communities enhance their education and learn to use new technology.