法國擬禁止非法網絡下載

　　法國政府的一項禁止從互聯網非法下載音樂、電影作品的法案將于本周提至議會討論。如該法案得以通過，法國政府將組建一個國家監視機構對互聯網用戶進行監控。在互聯網服務提供商和音樂、電影公司的幫助下，非法下載音樂、電影或視頻游戲的網上沖浪者將被監視機構識別。這些非法下載用戶將會受到斷網兩個月到一年的處罰，且斷網期間的網費照常繳納。法國總統薩科奇對該法案表示支持，不過有反對派人士表示該法案“無效、無用、技術上不可行”。

　　Anyone repeatedly caught illegally downloading films and music in France could be cut off from the internet if a new bill is passed by parliament this week.

　　The bill would give French authorities powers to trace illegal downloads and cut repeat offenders off from the internet for a period of two months to one year. Those cut off would have to continue to pay for internet access for the duration of their suspension.

　　The bill has already received initial approval from both houses of parliament and been praised by prominent musicians and the French recording industry.

　　It is expected to be passed on Thursday and would put France at the forefront of the fight against illegal downloading.

　　The French Union of Phonographic Producers, which represents 48 French producers including heavy-hitters like Universal Music and Sony BMG, said it will teach the public that music has a price.

　　Director General Herve Rony said last month that the bill will help rein in a feeling on lawlessness and impunity on the internet.

　　Nicolas Seydoux, who heads the Association for the Fight against Audiovisual Piracy, has said the future of the French movie and film industries depends on cracking down on illegal downloads.

　　French President Nicolas Sarkozy has come out in support of the bill. Opposition Socialist lawmakers, however, have blasted the bill as "inefficient, useless and technically inapplicable."