France Drops Scheme To Block Internet Access for Downloading Copyrighted Files

Will try something less stupid and draconian instead

The French government has scrapped a provision that could cut off Internet access for those who downloaded copyrighted files illegally.

The so-called "three strikes" law brought first written warnings for infringement, then ultimately suspension of Internet access. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) applauded the law.

But the French government is now taking a new approach, focusing its antipiracy efforts on commercial piracy, such as Internet sites that profit from infringing, rather than individuals, according to a statement by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication Tuesday.