EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The French National Assembly finally passed the much-contested `three-strikes' bill to combat internet piracy late on Thursday (2 April) evening. In a reduced chamber, all but one of the governing UMP voted in favour of the legislation, a centrist deputy abstained and the Socialist opposition voted against. The so-called Creation and Internet law introduces a `graduated response' to illegal downloading that cuts off access to the internet for those believed to be repeatedly flouting the law. Under the legislation, those accused of such activities are first sent an email warning them of their infraction by a new government agency. They are subsequently sent a warning letter in the post. If after this second warning they continue to illegally download copyrighted content - the `third strike' - the internet service provider will cut off access to the internet for between two months and a year.
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The French National Assembly finally passed the much-contested `three-strikes' bill to combat internet piracy late on Thursday (2 April) evening.
In a reduced chamber, all but one of the governing UMP voted in favour of the legislation, a centrist deputy abstained and the Socialist opposition voted against.
The so-called Creation and Internet law introduces a `graduated response' to illegal downloading that cuts off access to the internet for those believed to be repeatedly flouting the law.
Under the legislation, those accused of such activities are first sent an email warning them of their infraction by a new government agency. They are subsequently sent a warning letter in the post.
If after this second warning they continue to illegally download copyrighted content - the `third strike' - the internet service provider will cut off access to the internet for between two months and a year.
How many UMP deputies walked out on their own government's law to avoid having to vote against or hold their nose? Most economists teach a theoretical framework that has been shown to be fundamentally useless. -- James K. Galbraith
