“3 GB per week”: is Najat Vallaud-Belkacem’s proposal to ration the Internet realistic?
In a recent interview with Le Figaro, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, former Minister of National Education, launched a call to “ration the internet” by granting a limited number of GB to be used daily. If the intention to fight against the excesses linked to overexposure to screens is laudable, the former minister’s proposal raises several questions.
“If we know that we only have three gigabytes to use in a week, we are probably not going to spend them posting hateful comments or creating fakes.»
This statement from Najat Vallaud-Belkacem is perplexing. Indeed, limiting internet consumption to 3 GB per week seems disconnected from reality, because data needs vary considerably from one person to another. Today, many professional, educational and social activities require regular and significant access to the internet. Imposing such a restriction could penalize certain users and hinder the proper functioning of certain activities.
UHD, porn, Starlink, everything goes
The former minister also cites the example of ultra high definition (UHD) video and viewing pornographic content as superfluous and energy-consuming practices.
“Perhaps we will stop considering it “normal” to spend several hours on pornographic sites watching ultra HD videos.»
Although excessive consumption of this content can indeed pose a problem, it should be remembered that UHD is also used in areas such as artistic creation, professional training and even telemedicine.
Furthermore, rather than restricting overall access to the internet, it would perhaps be more judicious to specifically target regulation and awareness around this content. Najat Vallaud-Belkacem also mentions the Starlink project, which aims to deploy a network of satellites to provide high-speed internet access in areas poorly served by very high speed.
“There is a digital emergency just as there is a climate emergency. It’s not about sending additional satellites into space, but about pulling the plug, turning off our screens, and finally starting to live again.“.
It is true that we can question whether the Starlink project has a negative impact on the environment, but we should not ignore the benefits it could bring to reduce digital inequalities. Instead of criticizing this type of initiative, it would be more useful to find ways to reduce its ecological footprint while maintaining its benefits.
The idea of internet rationing also raises ethical and practical questions. Could this be seen as an attack on freedom of expression and access to information? How can we establish a fair quota for all users, knowing that data needs can be very different from one person to another?
To face the challenges linked to our use of screens and the internet, it seems more judicious to adopt a balanced and informed approach. This should be based on education, awareness-raising and targeted regulation of problematic practices, rather than considering radical measures such as internet rationing.
RED 4G plan
100 GB
Unlimited calls
100 GB in France
22 GB in Europe
Prixtel 4G plan
The small 40 to 60 GB
Unlimited calls
40 GB – 60 GB in France
15 GB in Europe
B&You Mobile Plan
130 GB
Unlimited calls
130 GB in France
35 GB in Europe
All mobile plans
Low tech and decline
In fact, even if Najat Vallaud-Belkacem’s idea of reducing our internet consumption to 3 GB per week may seem a bit extreme and not very realistic, it is important to understand what she really means. She tries to make us think about the way we use technology and promote more sustainable and responsible alternatives, such as low tech and degrowth.
Low tech is the idea of using simple, inexpensive and environmentally friendly technologies. The goal is to reduce our dependence on screens and digital tools that consume a lot of energy. Therefore, limiting our internet consumption could be a way of encouraging the adoption of more sober practices and using low-tech solutions in our everyday lives.
Degrowth is a movement which calls into question our economic system based on constant growth and which encourages a voluntary and equitable reduction in production and consumption.
In this context, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem’s proposal could be seen as an invitation to think about our real needs and to adopt a more sober and environmentally friendly lifestyle. So, beyond the form of your declaration, it is important to seize the opportunity to debate the substance. But perhaps we are asking too much.