France Forms Government Body to Address Illegal File-Sharing

In July, 2007, the French Minister of Culture and Communication appointed an independent commission (the Olivennes Commission) led by Denis Olivennes to study ways of combating illegal downloading and the development of legal musical, audiovisual and cinematographic works. On November 23, 2007, the Olivennes Commission presented its report, entitled "Le développement et la protection des oeuvres culturelles sur les nouveaux réseaux". The same day, President Sarkozy signed an accord (Agreement) with ISPs and music and film producers to address illegal file-sharing, based on the findings of the Olivennes Commission. France will form an independent authority, supervised by a judge, to monitor Internet subscriptions used for illegal file-sharing, based on information of high-volume users from ISPs. The proposed system would allow the authority to issue warnings to subscribers participating in illegal file-sharing and after several warnings, could lead to the suspension or termination of Internet service. Additionally, the music industry would drop technical protection measures, such as digital rights management, which impede interoperability. For the full text of the Agreement and additional speeches and reports (en français), visit: http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/actualites/index-olivennes231107.htm For further information, see: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2222072,00.asp; http://tinyurl.com/39k579; and http://tinyurl.com/2qqjok For commentary, visit: http://regustand.cytrap.eu/?p=82 Summary by: Lauren Lodenquai