
News out of Europe that France is about to take a hard line on copyrighted media (movies and music). According to news reports. a new measure approved by the French Cabinet would kill the Internet connection to those caught downloading illegally. 'There is no reason that the Internet should be a lawless zone," President Sarkozy told his Cabinet as it endorsed the "three-strikes-and-you're-out" scheme that from next January will hit illegal downloaders where it hurts. Under a cross-industry agreement, Internet service providers (ISPs) must cut off access for up to a year for third-time offenders.' Google and video site Dailymotion have refused to sign up as consenting participants, and the state data protection agency, consumer and civil liberties groups and the European Parliament are all protesting as well. The latest word is that the legislation failed in the National Assembly. Now, Sarkozy is trying to revive the the measure by pushing it as an amendment to the pan-European Telecoms Package. This amendment has the potential to impose 3-strikes across Europe, not just in France. Stand by for fireworks.
On the other hand... It could be worse!







Comment Preview