A pioneering bill which would allow authorities to remove Internet access to those who make illegal downloads was approved by France’s lower house of parliament. Entertainment companies hope that this measure will serve as a powerful weapon to combat piracy.
Meanwhile, critics claim that the bill threatens the civil liberties as questions still remain regarding its implementation. This bill has received much attention beyond France, from film and music industries who fight to maintain official revenue as well as from privacy advocates concerned about the issue of government intrusion.
Around 1,000 French Internet users each day can be taken offline under this new bill, as estimated by the Culture Ministry. Ignoring e-mail warnings followed by a registered letter could cost pirates Internet disconnection for up to one year, as well as up to $435,000 (€300,000) in fines or prison time.
Parents whose children perform illegal downloads can also be targeted for failing to monitor their children’s online activities. Should they ignore warnings, the family’s Internet service can be shut down for a month. They can be fined with €3,750, or $5,480.
Earlier this year, the bill’s first, more muscular version was disapproved as unconstitutional. In July, the Senate approved its compromise version and on Tuesday, the National Assembly did the same with a 285-225 vote.
In order for the bill to be passed into law, it must gain approval from a committee of lawmakers who are assigned to harmonise the two versions.
Specific details regarding the bill’s enforcement are still being discussed. Special software will be given to Internet subscribers to enable authorities to identify people suspected of illegal downloads.
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I believe that this bill is wrong in more than one way. Children, hackers, and many more can access people’s internet and the owner of the internet will be held resonsible. In general terms i believe this new law shouldn’t be used. But i believe we can come across a more fluent and more useful form of bill to do the job correctly.