France approves three-strikes law for file-sharers

Legal platforms such as iTunes could receive a boost from the new law.

France will become the first nation to invoke a “three strikes” policy for repeat file-sharers, after passing the controversial law last week.

The law will establish a new agency that will email a warning to anyone found to be illegally downloading films or music. If a second offence occurs within six months, a written warning is sent. The third offence will allow a judge to order a one-year Internet rights suspension or issue a fine.

“France now has a very innovative system to protect the rights of authors, artists and their partners in the Internet universe,” said French President Sarkozy.

The law could now be replicated in Britain. The EU has also expressed its intention to develop Europe-wide legislation. A study by the EU estimates that the cultural and creative market is worth US $970 billion to the economic bloc.

Alternative proposals to protect the European industry include alternative remuneration for content creators via a new tax on internet access.

The French Courts had previously blocked the legislation which was met with wide spread disapproval from a diverse range of groups.

Despite low broadband penetration in the Middle East P2P piracy and counterfeiting of physical media still have devastating consequences on the local content creation market.

Yousef Mugharbil, president of Rotana Digital Entertainment has previously estimated that the company loses one dollar to piracy for each dollar that it makes.

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