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The French government’s internet privacy law, which was passed through the National Assembly by 296 votes to 233 on Tuesday 12^th May 2009, required the country’s internet service providers to cut internet connection to customers who repeatedly download pirated material.   Suspensions could be for a period of time between three months and one year, during which the offender would still be required to pay service charges.   Companies contravening the new law could avoid suspension if security measures were put in place to prevent further illegal downloads by employees.  It was also the intention to create a government agency to trace suspected offenders and inform internet service providers.

The move came a week after the European Parliament passed a measure to prevent governments from restricting internet access without a hearing, a development which appeared to be at odds with the new French law, although the EU law was still to be approved.   The campaign to restrict illegal downloads met with a mixed reaction.   Protestors against it included actresses Catherine Deneuve and Victoria Abril, while many others believed the law would be enforceable.

The passing of the law follows an embarrassing defeat for the government in April when too few members of the government attended the National Assembly meeting to successfully pass the measure.

  [ADD]