Web pirates may lose Internet in France

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STEVE CHIOTAKIS: The French Senate is expected to pass a law today cracking down on Internet piracy.
People who violate it could lose their connection for up to a year. Marketplace’s European Correspondent Stephen Beard reports.

STEPHEN BEARD: The measure is pretty radical. If passed, it will set up a new agency to monitor people’s Internet use. Anyone suspected of downloading material illegally will be sent a warning letter. And another if they do it again. After a third offense the user will be cut off from the Internet for up to a year.

The French bill conflicts with a measure passed by the European Parliament last week. That prohibited EU governments from cutting off Internet access without a court order. But John Kennedy, a spokesman for the global record industry, welcomes the French move.

JOHN KENNEDY: We think it sends a great message to the community at wide. We think in terms of online piracy which is the scourge of the creative industries at the moment it sends a strong deterrent and educational message.

Kennedy says Taiwan and South Korea already have similar laws. And, he believes, many other countries — including the U.S. — may eventually follow suit.

In London this is Stephen Beard for Marketplace.