France defies Europe over “three strikes”

Posted on 3 Nov 2008 at 12:52

France is going ahead with plans to disconnect persistent file sharers, despite EU opposition.

The French parliament’s senate voted 297-15 in favour of the “three strikes” legislation proposed by president Nicolas Sarkozy. Under the proposals, file sharers will be warned to desist; if two separate warnings are ignored, then the sharer will be disconnected for up to three months, but will still have to pay their ISP.

Sarkozy has tried to persuade other European governments to follow suit, but that looks unlikely now that both the European Parliament and Commission have decided against any measures that result in the interruption of internet access.

Sarkozy will continue to press ministers ahead of a European Council meeting to discuss the issue as part of the EU Telecoms Package, which requires the backing of both the Council and Parliament. But French Culture Minister Christine Albanel insists that there is no hidden agenda.

“Of course, there is no secret plan to impose the French anti-piracy plan to the rest of Europe,” Albane said. “I simply wish that our experience will prove an inspiration for other European states whose cultural businesses are as threatened as the French ones.”

As far as the UK is concerned, there now appears to be little support for three strikes. The music industry has toyed with the idea, but now accepts that it does not have the backing of the government and ISPs.

Author: Simon Aughton

Get more reviews, tutorials and in-depth advice, every month with Computer Shopper.
Click here to try 3 issues for £1

< Previous News : Software Next >

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to Login or Register to comment.