France is in a precarious position, with a recent report showing that consumer trust in the digital economy is frighteningly low.
According to the Digital Economy Trust Index designed by Checkout.com, France was second to last after surveying 16 countries, with only Japan ranking lower.
This index measures consumer faith in digital systems across security, transparency and user experience.
It notes an interesting link between digital trust and economic growth. Research reveals that countries where citizens trust digital platforms record stronger economic numbers.
Economic potential is tied to digital adoption. Consequently, France could be in trouble if it does not correct these numbers by persuading consumers to trust digital platforms.
China and the Middle East Outpace the West
China unsurprisingly leads the way, scoring 8.6 out of 10. The Asian nation is the global standard, with citizens showing considerable trust in their digital offerings.
The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are not far behind on the list.
Notably, the top performers are countries that recorded rapid adoption of digital payment systems, trust in biometric security set-ups and artificial intelligence (AI).
More importantly, there is also a strong notion that forward-thinking private enterprises and proactive governments drive innovation.
For example, China scored full marks for trust in new payment methods, biometric security and the ability of technology to keep consumers safe.
It is the same story in the Middle East, where several nations have adopted nationwide digital transformation visions, helping to build consumer confidence.
There are a few anomalies, such as Egypt. The North African nation finished high on the list despite recording low digital transaction numbers. Their citizens trust their identity tools and AI.
A European Crisis of Confidence
While Asian countries are flourishing high up the list, their European counterparts are struggling. Spain is the most trusting European digital economy, but the rest trail.
Several issues, from privacy concerns to hesitancy from institutions and poor user experiences, have plagued the momentum of the technology sector, and France is one of the worst of the bunch.
French citizens are open to digital services, and the country has several notable fintech firms with a boisterous eCommerce market to boot. But for some reason, consumers remain sceptical.
France recorded some of the lowest numbers in the survey for trust in blockchain, biometric verification and AI tools.
Even with Asia making strides in digital wallet technology, the French have been slow to adopt. France scored low marks for digital wallet usage, while China registered 10/10.
France remains stuck as citizens refuse to put some trust in their digital ambition, and the tension could prove costly.
Trust is the New Infrastructure
“In the physical world, trust is built into the act of purchase – you pay and leave with your goods,” Checkout.com’s Jenny Hadlow said.
“Online, trust must be earned. Consumers share sensitive data and interact with systems they do not control. The question is not just whether the tech works. It is whether people believe it does.”
French businesses face a serious dilemma. They have the tools and digital infrastructure, but their adoption numbers will remain underwhelming without trust. New tech will not scale.
Per the index, trust in AI and confidence that new tech makes payments safer are some of the strongest indicators of digital trust, but France is currently underperforming.
It is worrying because digital trust is a crucial economic growth lever, and France could be left behind if things do not change.
Countries that have secured confidence in their digital economy have registered considerably more economic growth, with New Zealand being the poster child for that relationship.
New Zealand leads developed economies in trust for AI and digital ID. The latter will be crucial for the iGaming industry, which is in the process of being regulated by the Kiwi government.
Players who play on NZ online casino games real money platforms are eager to ensure their personal financial details are safe and secure.
The results from the new Index suggest the foundations are already in place for the regulated iGaming sector to benefit from the digital trust levels among local citizens.
The way New Zealand and other nations have built digital trust undoubtedly provides France with a template it can follow over the next few years.
France must encourage transparency and consumer education. They must also make design choices that help prioritise user agency.
French consumers are wary of privacy and autonomy issues. Vague promises and glossy interfaces will not win them over. They want guarantees, clarity and punishment for those who fall short.
Embedding trust in every experience is a model that French platforms must take seriously.
