France Passes Anti-Piracy Bill Allowing Internet Users To Be Banned Or Jailed

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The French National Assembly passed a controversial bill sponsored by French President Sakozy that will allow courts to hand down fines, bans and even jail time for people caught downloading pirated material.

The original bill was blocked by the French Constitutional Council on the grounds that the government agency set up to review cases and hand out punishment did not fit the description of due process. The newly passed bill now hands the responsibility to the courts.

Fines could top 300,000 Euros, an Internet ban or even a two year jail sentence could be handed down by courts for users who have been caught downloading pirated content for the third time.

Even those who did not download pirated content, but found guilty of negligence in allowing others to use their connection to download pirated content, could also be fined up to 1,500 Euros or banned from Internet usage.

The major French opposition party, the Socialists Party, were in major opposition to this bill and would appeal to the Constitutional Council again in the hope the bill can be blocked yet again.

More:

http://www.theage.com.au/digital-lif...0916-frn2.html