I guess whatever happened on Download Day in France did not do much to sway the government officials in the country. Last Thursday, April 2, the anti-piracy bill was approved by the authorities. This bill, as I previously mentioned in another post, will cut off the Internet access of those who are caught illegal downloaders. Obviously, the bill has the support of artists but has been opposed vehemently by consumer groups.
Deputies from the ruling UMP party voted to adopt the contested measure, overriding a challenge from the Socialist opposition which called it “an assault on public and individual liberties.”
Lawmakers earlier voted unanimously however to strike out a provision that would have forced banned users to keep paying their Internet subscription fees.
Once approved article by article, the entire bill will be submitted to the National Assembly for a vote.
On the one hand, there is some good news for those who download illegally. One, if someone gets caught, he will not have to continue paying for his Internet as it is already cut off. While that makes perfect sense, that is a much better alternative than having to continue paying for the service even when it has been cut, right? Two, the bill still has to be reviewed and voted on. Knowing how governments work, this could take months.
Well what can I say? They should have seen this coming. After all, illegal downloading is illegal, no ifs or buts about it. There are many other options out there which do not break the law anyway.