In France, a dispute grows over the bill ‘Creation and Internet’, which aims to control the downloading of cultural works on the net. The bill is under consideration in the National Assembly, and provoking a protest from net users.
The main grievance: disproportionate penalties for offences committed, such as suspension of an internet connection. The user group ‘Quadrature du Net’ has called for a « blackout » on the net.
http://www.laquadrature.net/fr/guide-du-blackout-HADOPI
http://www.laquadrature.net/HADOPI
http://blog.ookook.fr/2009/02/27/hadopi-a-french-law-to-threat-internet-neutrality
An action inspired by net users in New Zealand who recently managed to prevent their government from applying similar measures, following their complaints.
http://creativefreedom.org.nz/blackout.html
A parody site was also created. “I like internautes.com” makes reference to the site “I love the artists” that is supported by the government. It offers questions and answers and also videos, with a list of associations or members of parliament who reject the bill.
http://www.jaimelesinternautes.com/
http://www.jaimelesartistes.fr/
Another notable initiative on the net came from the consumer protection association UFC “Que Choisir”. The site » ça va couper » shows a crazy policeman who delivers a reprisal step by step, punishing net users who download.
http://www.ca-va-couper.fr/
http://www.france24.com/en/20090312-web-dispute-internet-blogs-french-piracy-law-ireland-ira-violence