In 2024, will digital technology be (ir)responsible?

On the digital side, what does 2024 have in store for us? Artificial intelligence, eco-design, social networks, regulations, digital divide... so many areas undergoing significant changes that promise a year full of news.

Artificial Intelligence: Free Innovation or Regulation?

by Nousseu DOUON

The year 2023 was rich in innovations, with the explosion of advanced artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT and Midjourney. Although these tools have proven useful in daily life, uncertainties persist. A legislative battle has ensued at the EU level with a recent agreement on the AI Act, as well as in the United States with the issuance of a presidential decree.

The year 2024 promises to be full of debates on artificial intelligence. States will need to clarify their position: tighten existing rules or prioritize innovation while protecting startups. Intellectual property concerning generative AI will also be a major challenge for legislators.

Social Media Giants Change Strategy for 2024

by Solveig TIBY

The year 2024 could be a major turning point for social media giants and their business models. Although the success of social media relies in part on their free access, a paid model (which would eliminate advertising) has been introduced by Meta. This change in strategy is partly driven by resource instability, including a decline in revenue from advertisers. This solution would diversify and balance sources of income.

Meanwhile, European standards are evolving, becoming stricter on user tracking and the resale of their data. The fine imposed on Meta for GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) violations by its social network Facebook should encourage the group to comply more with European rules.

Franceinfo - Social Networks: Why are Facebook, Instagram, and X introducing paid subscriptions?

Developers' Ecological Awakening Driven by Artificial Intelligence

by Jérémy PASTOURET

For developers to regain power in the business world in 2024, they will need to distinguish themselves from:

AIs (such as V0, a service created by Vercel)
creation solutions through a no-code interface
new entrants in the market.

To stand out, they will need to return to the essence of their profession. In other words, be closer to computers/smartphones and stop using overlays that make work easier but burden systems. The lack of optimization and lower code quality, often compensated by increasingly powerful devices, should be addressed. Developers will need to reclaim knowledge: design tools/software with more technical but also more efficient and optimized code to reduce the digital impact.

Sources:

Will Artificial Intelligence Lead to the End of Free Will?

by Maëlys T.

Last November, the CNIL (National Commission for Information Technology and Liberties) held a conference on the development of generative AI and our ability to exercise free will. Faced with AI tools, their designers and users must consider their biases and shortcomings to view them as improvable tools.

Navigating AI software is simple and accessible to the public. However, most of the time, users don't know how algorithms are trained. This problem can arise when completing administrative documents. If a particularity in a file has not been integrated into the AI's training program, the user can quickly become lost and check a box unsuitable for their situation—unless an employee is present to take over. It is hoped that in 2024, AI legislation will lead to greater transparency in the data used and increased public participation in this debate.

After NutriScores, "WebiScores"

by Arnaud CADIERE

After Nutriscore invaded the food aisles, a Web eco-design score or Green IT will appear on your favorite websites.

Tools like EcoIndex and Website Carbon Calculator already allow calculating the environmental footprint of websites. These digital labels could become a new selling point for platforms, just as Écocert, Fairtrade, and Organic Agriculture already are for food products.

To illustrate this trend one can visit Dalkia's website, highlighting its eco-design. The site also won Stratégie's Design Grand Prix in 2022.

Digital Divide Intensifying in France

by Louise PASTOURET

In 2024, the gap will continue to widen between:

those who master digital devices and tools so well that they use them without thinking, in all areas (private and professional)
and those who face difficulties in accessing digital technology (due to geographical or financial situations), as well as those who lack the skills to use digital equipment and services.

The dematerialization of public services initiated by the state will continue. Without, simultaneously, an adequate development of support mechanisms, intended to help French citizens facing digital illiteracy. A significant example this year: support for digital advisors at France Services - especially the coverage of their (thin) salaries - will decrease from 2024. Meanwhile, millions of citizens will continue to face a real obstacle course to assert their most basic rights. In a start-up nation that "dematerializes" everything, without providing all users with the means to get on board, injustices may accumulate in the coming months.

An Ecological and Social Digital

by Julie-Sophie LEMOINE

2023 has been marked by numerous upheavals related to digital technology, new technologies, and artificial intelligence. This year provided an opportunity to highlight the various challenges raised by the growth of the digital role in society.

It is hoped that 2024 will be accompanied by awareness and action in the face of the challenges posed by the growth of the digitization process. Because only humans have the unique ability to draw on past experiences to progress. In this context, it is essential to understand that for digital transition to truly benefit humanity, it must be accompanied by synergy with major societal (ecological and social) issues.

The French government has taken actions in this direction; now, it remains to be seen if this will lead to conclusive results.