France proposes disconnecting Web music pirates

A French bill that proposes disconnecting users from the Internet if they download music or video files illegally drew criticism Tuesday from consumer groups and opposition legislators. The government wants to stem the flow of songs and films circulating freely on the Internet, depriving artists of revenues and threatening the survival of production companies. The French bill says users who download files illegally must receive an email warning. If they do it again, they receive a second warning by registered post. If caught a third time, they are disconnected from the Internet for two months to a year. Critics said this would be difficult to apply. They also said it would pit artists against their own public and would pose the risk that honest users could be unfairly penalized.