At VivaTech 2025, l’Institut de l’Engagement, in partnership with Orange and CNRS (France’s National Center of Scientific Research), with the support of the Fondation de France, announces the launch of the Digital Citizenship certificate, an innovative training program to help people understand and act on digital issues.
The Digital Citizenship certificate aims to help 12 to 15-year-olds better understand the digital mechanisms shaping our society and influencing our behavior. Developed in collaboration with a multidisciplinary scientific advisory board, the interactive and engaging training program addresses major issues of democracy and citizenship in the digital age. Topics include how algorithms work and content personalization, the spread of fake news and the risks of manipulation, personal data protection, mental health, combating hate speech and radicalization bubbles, as well as best practices for responsible social media use.
Inspired by the “Premiers secours de la planète” (First Aid for the Planet) certificate from l’Institut de l’Engagement, this new program is designed as a practical awareness tool and is freely accessible via an online platform. The first course, targeting 12-15-year-olds, will be launched in 2025, with a second version for a broader audience to follow in 2026, particularly across the European Union. The partnership with CNRS and the establishment of a multidisciplinary scientific advisory board ensure the scientific accuracy of the educational content and recommended actions.
The Institute’s clear goal is to educate a wide European audience on informed digital citizenship. This launch is part of a broader strategy to position l’Institut de l’Engagement as a leading player in education on contemporary issues and raising awareness about tools for engagement, such as civilized and responsible digital use.
Orange, a major telecommunications operator, already conducts numerous actions internationally to promote digital inclusion. To encourage the responsible use of digital tools, and in particular to reduce screen time for children and combat cyberbullying, the Group is already very active in France through its #ForGoodConnections initiative, run in partnership with e-Enfance, working to establish protective spaces (SafeZone) in video games and organizing awareness workshops to promote good online habits.
Today, within the framework of its collaboration with l’Institut de l’Engagement and CNRS, Orange commits to:
- Providing expertise on the training approach and content of the Digital Citizenship certificate, including participation in the Scientific Advisory Board.
- Sharing some of its content related to the topics covered by the Digital Citizenship certificate.
- Contributing to the distribution of the Digital Citizenship certificate as part of the digital trust theme of its digital inclusion strategy in France.
For Martin Hirsch, President of l’Institut de l’Engagement:
"We are very pleased with Orange, the Fondation de France, and CNRS’s involvement. Their support will help us promote the project to the general public and across Europe."
For Oriane Penny-Lepastier, CEO of l’Institut de l’Engagement:
"Our ambition is to make digital citizenship an essential component of civic commitment. Understanding how the digital world works helps us navigate it better, protect ourselves, and most importantly, act responsibly and knowledgeably."
For Caroline Guillaumin, Executive Director of Communications at Orange:
"At Orange, we believe in the virtues of digital technology when used responsibly and intelligently. Educating parents and children about good digital practices is a priority. The Digital Citizenship certificate launched today is a crucial step toward a society where every young person becomes an informed citizen and a committed actor in their digital environment."
