In an increasingly regulated digital environment, Relians was entrusted with a high-stakes lobbying mission by a California-based technology start-up specializing in the automated detection of illegal files online. The objective was clear but ambitious: to have this innovative solution officially recognized and included among the technological options considered in a French legislative proposal focused on Internet regulation. This collaboration resulted in a textbook lobbying operation that not only fulfilled its immediate goal but also illustrated Relians’ unique ability to bring emerging foreign technologies into the heart of public decision-making processes in France.
A Classic Case of Disruptive Technology Lobbying
The mission entrusted to Relians represented a typical but particularly demanding lobbying scenario: securing a place for an emerging technology within a legislative framework still under construction. The client had developed a cutting-edge technology capable of identifying illegal files circulating online in real time, combining digital fingerprinting, behavioral analysis algorithms, and machine learning tools. Although operational and tested in several foreign jurisdictions, this technology was entirely unknown to French lawmakers.
At the time, the French government had introduced a legislative proposal aimed at strengthening the fight against illegal content on the Internet—ranging from unauthorized downloads and hate speech to copyright violations. However, the bill initially only referenced a limited set of well-known technological tools, reflecting a narrow vision of the solutions available. The mission of Relians was therefore to ensure that the client’s technology would be considered among the legally recognized instruments aligned with the law’s objectives.
A Legislative Landscape Resistant to Innovation
The text submitted to the French Parliament was structured around traditional mechanisms, already familiar to regulators and lawmakers. There was little room for new or external solutions, even those with proven value. The draft legislation’s rigidity threatened to exclude emerging technologies entirely, regardless of their relevance or operational readiness. The technology developed by our client, although already deployed in other democratic jurisdictions, did not feature in public consultations or parliamentary debates.
Faced with this environment, Relians designed and implemented what could be called a “lobbying of inclusion”—a deliberate effort to create institutional space for innovation. This strategy was built upon three foundational observations:
- The start-up had developed a mature, reliable, and strategically relevant solution.
- The key French decision-makers were unaware of its existence.
- The legislative process, as initially conceived, provided very few opportunities to introduce new actors or tools.
Under these constraints, lobbying could not be reduced to simple advocacy or traditional contacts with lawmakers. Instead, it had to involve the orchestration of a full-fledged influence campaign, combining technical demonstration, institutional credibility, and targeted political dialogue.
The Lobbying Strategy Deployed by Relians
Relians’ approach rested on four coordinated levers, each essential to building a persuasive and successful lobbying effort:
Our first step was to carry out a thorough analysis of the legislative process, mapping the actors involved and the balance of power. This included an in-depth review of the bill’s content, proposed amendments, and the positions taken by parliamentary committees, relevant ministries, independent regulatory bodies, and advisory councils. This work identified institutional entry points, decision-making bottlenecks, and the political stakeholders who could act as potential allies.
- Building a Technological Argument
Innovation alone is not sufficient. To be accepted into a legal framework, a technology must be intelligible, documented, and verifiable. We crafted a robust and accessible technical dossier for public authorities, including comparative analyses, use cases, international performance evaluations, and independent testing results. These elements aimed to reinforce the credibility of the solution and demonstrate its perfect alignment with the policy goals outlined in the bill.
- Targeted On-the-Ground Lobbying
Using a detailed stakeholder map, we engaged in direct and high-level outreach to influential players: parliamentary rapporteurs, ministerial advisors, officials from the President’s office, ARCOM representatives, and regulatory authorities. Each engagement was carefully prepared, with pre-briefing memos anticipating potential objections and highlighting how the client’s technology could enhance the law’s impact. These tailored exchanges played a vital role in shifting perceptions and opening the door to legislative consideration.
- Influencing the Legislative Language
One of the mission’s defining successes was the tangible influence we exerted on the content of the bill. Through sustained dialogue with supportive members of Parliament, we helped introduce amendments that widened the scope of acceptable technologies. Compatibility clauses were inserted into the legislation, ensuring that the national regulatory authority could assess a broader range of solutions—including the one offered by our client. This breakthrough ensured the client’s eligibility in the French regulatory framework.
Concrete Results: A Successful Lobbying Operation in Support of Innovation
The impact of this lobbying campaign was significant and multi-faceted:
For the start-up, the recognition of its solution by French authorities represented a major step forward in terms of legitimacy and institutional acceptance. The company was subsequently invited to contribute to working groups established to implement the new legislation.
For French lawmakers, the amended bill became more inclusive and better aligned with emerging technological realities. Lawmakers gained exposure to alternative options that could enhance the efficiency of the new legal framework.
For regulatory agencies, the widened technological spectrum granted them greater operational flexibility to fight illegal online content, supported by a more diversified and effective toolkit.
This lobbying effort also triggered positive side effects: the start-up began engaging with European institutions, seeking to replicate its successful integration into France’s regulatory landscape across other EU member states.
A Model for Strategic, Responsible Lobbying
This mission epitomizes Relians’ philosophy: lobbying must be rigorous, responsible, and aligned with the public interest. Contrary to stereotypical portrayals, we view lobbying not as a form of coercion but as a structured process of institutional persuasion, grounded in expertise and transparency.
Our methodology is based on three key pillars:
- Understanding Institutional Dynamics: Effective influence requires a deep understanding of the internal workings of public institutions and the often-unwritten rules governing access to decision-making.
- Deploying Coherent, Structured Argumentation: A convincing case must be built on logic, evidence, and relevance. Technological storytelling must echo policy priorities.
- Operating with Long-Term Vision: Our lobbying actions are never merely reactive. We work toward establishing long-lasting legitimacy for our clients within the public sphere.
Relians: A Trusted Partner for Innovation-Driven Lobbying
This case demonstrates Relians’ added value as a strategic partner at the intersection of innovation and public policy. By leveraging our legal and institutional expertise, we helped an emerging technology gain entry into one of Europe’s most structured legislative processes. Beyond consultancy, our work fosters alignment between private innovation and public goals.
In an age where digital regulations evolve rapidly, lobbying is becoming a democratic and technical imperative. It ensures that lawmakers remain open to new ideas, technologies, and solutions—thus avoiding regulatory capture or stagnation. By advocating for innovation with integrity and professionalism, Relians plays an active role in modernizing policymaking.
In summary, this successful lobbying mission marks a milestone in our firm’s history. It confirms that even in the most closed legislative environments, there is always room for influence—provided one combines technical knowledge, institutional literacy, and strategic foresight.
Relians remains committed to putting lobbying at the service of the ideas and technologies that deserve to be heard. Because to innovate is also to persuade.
