This paper analyzes European discourses and practices concerning the use of digital tools in the legal framework of participatory democracy, focusing specifically on the French case. If a legal framework is currently developing in France about participatory democracy, it is not really specific to the "local" field, nor is it specific to the use of digital tools. Use of new technologies in local participatory democracy takes place in the general legal framework. Nevertheless, this framework inevitably influences local French practices. In particular, it orientates participative processes towards principles of sincerity, equality, transparence and regularity, even if those principles need to be clarified. These principles are of even more importance ever since the Covid-19 crisis intensified recourse to digital tools. This is notably the case in environmental participation, where these digital tools question the enforcement of the right to take part in environmental decision processes protected by article 7 of the Charter for the Environment.

Note from the Dictionnaire critique et interdisciplinaire de la Participation on the "Law of participatory democracy": proposed definition, and highlighting of the major issues that run through the question. The Dicopart is published by Gis Démocratie et Participation. Free access.