French Piracy Law in Effect

France's new Internet piracy law is now in effect. According to the law, which was vehemently opposed by online free speech advocates, illegal file-sharers will receive a warning e-mail, then a written warning, and will be ordered to face a judge on subsequent transgressions. The judge may fine the offender or restrict his access to the Internet.

The bill created a new department of justice - HADOPI, or the Higher Authority for the Distribution of Works and the Protection of Copyright on the Internet - and was backed by both the president and entertainment industry. However, it faced a lengthy battle through parliament, and similar measures in other Western countries face bitter opposition from many opponents.

Meanwhile, Pres. Sarkozy has been connected to two incidents of reported © C Harris Lynn, 2010