France introduces new anti-piracy law
The French, who brought us great innovations such as the french fry and the French kiss, have now introduced the new French socialist-rooted anti-downloading law. What?
Under a new “three strikes and you’re out” anti-piracy policy, French internet users who download music illegally on a regular basis could find themselves web-less. That’s right; the policy being backed by internet service providers, the government and owners of film and music rights gives habitual offenders two warnings. Consequently, if one does not heed the warnings the government will suspend or terminate their web access.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy made this statement during a speech supporting the policy:
"We run the risk of witnessing a genuine destruction of culture. The internet must not become a high-tech Far West, a lawless zone where outlaws can pillage works with abandon or, worse, trade in them in total impunity. And on whose backs? On artists’ backs.”
There are two sides to every story: Let’s not forget about the hundreds of U.S. citizens who have been brought into court for illegally downloading music (one individual fined $220,000). Perhaps the U.S. should consider developing a more proactive versus reactive anti-piracy policy, which could prevent these crimes from happening in the first place. But in the U.S., we pride ourselves on our right to privacy, and we frown on Big brother-like government tactics. Are Americans truly concerned about their privacy or about having to shell out a measly $10 for a CD?
Leave us your thoughts!
Sources: (the New York Times, ft.com)
