France has partially dropped the controversial "thre-strikes" aimed at curbing downloading of illegal online content, by removing the punishment that could cut off Internet access to those who shared music or video illegally.
The so-called "three strikes" law, which has been heavily supported by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), brought first written warnings for infringement, then ultimately suspension of Internet access. The French Hadopi authority was responsible for sending warnings to copyright-infringing downloaders.
However, the French government has scrapped a provision that could cut off Internet access for those who downloaded copyrighted files illegally.
The government is now focusing its antipiracy efforts on commercial piracy, such as Internet sites that profit from infringing, rather than individuals, according to a
statement by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication Tuesday.
Although suspended Net access is no longer an option, fines remain as a punishment.