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France cracks down on illegal downloading

Kyle James
Kyle James - [email protected]
France cracks down on illegal downloading
Omar Z

The agency charged with implementing France’s tough digital piracy laws has sent out third-strike warnings to people accused of illegally downloading or sharing copyrighted material. Those targeted could face the loss of their internet connections and fines.

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Hadopi, the government authority administering a controversial anti-file sharing law adopted in 2009, announced it had sent out third-warnings notifications to about a dozen people over illegal downloads, who could now face prosecution.

“The goal is not a clampdown, but mainly one of education,” the agency said. “We have to make subscribers learn that they need to change their behaviour.”

Hadopi has been active for nine months and in that time, has sent out first notifications to about 420,000 people, warning them of the consequences of illegal downloads. Around 11,000 people have received second warnings.

France’s three-strikes net piracy law is one of the world’s toughest to battle copyright theft. Those who get three warnings could face long suspensions of their internet access and fines.

Hadopi said it was still considering whether or not to refer the 12 third-strike cases to prosecutors.

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