The French Senate has adopted the “Creation and Internet” law by 189 votes in favor and 14 against.
The Senate, which passed the law this morning (May 13), did not amend the draft voted by the National Assembly yesterday, opening the way for its rapid implementation into French law.
The law includes the implementing of a three-strikes scheme under which an independent administrative authority – called HADOPI – would be entitled to collect infringers’ data from their Internet Service Providers as requested by artists’ collecting societies, and other organizations representing rights holders, and to ultimately have their Internet access cut.
“Creative industries everywhere, including music, film, TV and books, are facing a fundamental challenge from the way online piracy is eroding the ability of creators to get rewarded for their work,” said IFPI chairman and CEO John Kennedy in a statement.
“In France the government has understood better than any other country the crisis which is looming if firm action is not taken to address the problem. The new French law takes the right approach and sets an example to the rest of the world. It will introduce sensible, proportionate measures that will have a real impact on piracy while respecting ordinary legitimate Internet users.”
See Billboard.biz later for further reaction to the vote.
