France has taken a further step towards a crack down on illegal downloading from the Internet.

Parliament has approved the controversial part of an anti-piracy law that would give authorities tough new powers. Offenders caught more than twice would have their internet access cut off for up to a year. The opposition and consumer groups are against the law, but it has the backing of many peformers. French singer Thomas Dutronc said: “I’ve spoken to friends of mine, a bit crazy, who speak about this law killing off freedom, but that’s not right. They don’t understand that what’s being killed off are small projects, the small performers.” But musician and producer Cerrone said: “I’ve heard lots of producers everywhere saying that creation is dead, that by having stuff stolen we no longer have the means to produce. But how can we say that? Get off your backsides and you’ll see that we’ve never had so many resources.” The anti-piracy law is being approved section by section, and will then be put forward for a final vote in parliament.More about: France, Internet

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