Piracy up in France despite ‘3 strikes’ law

In the first few months following the adoption of the three-strikes anti-piracy legislation in France, online piracy has increased 3 per cent in the period September to December last year. Instead of stopping, file-sharers are seeking alternatives to bypass the new law. The research also reveals that disconnecting file-sharers will actually hurt the revenues of the music industry.
Proponents of the new ‘Hadopi’ law said it would convince millions of people to stop downloading copyrighted content through file-sharing networks.............................................more

‘3 Strikes unfair’ says BT chief

Plans to suspend the Internet accounts of people who download music illegally are unfair, according to BT's chief executive, Ian Livingston. Livingston says illegal file-sharers should be fined rather than have their Internet accounts cut off. He and other industry figures have written to the Financial Times urging changes to the Digital Economy Bill.
Livingston added that plans to suspend Internet access for file-sharers goes against natural justice. Instead he is calling for fines which those accused of downloading could choose to pay, or fight in court...........................................moree