Villes Internet (FRANCE)

Villes Internet is a network of 1033 local elected representatives, public servants and NGOs players, who have decided to join forces and share knowledge and experience about the usage of internet and ICT. It operates a set of online and offline services dedicated to facilitating networking between local players: a content-rich portal to facilitate online exchanges and sharing of experience between members; a weekly detailed electronic newsletter "le courrier de l'internet citoyen"; monthly regional seminars, attracting local decision makers and key players; an official labelization process (rewards cities with a proactive approach in developing and deploying local public internet uses, fighting the “digital divide”); the promotion of i-twinnings between cities in Europe and across the francophone community; « Réseaux de la création » to enhance citizens to express their ideas and feelings on local life by the way of web-video; a Resource centre.

Ms Florence DURAND-TORNARE, is an expert in local and citizen internet, member of the Board of Internet Society France, and member of the scientific committee Easi-Wal for the Wallon government. Florence is also member of the Forum of rights on the Internet - working groups on electronical vote (2004), public access to internet (2006) and elections and internet (2006).