France Commutes Sentences for Illegal Downloading

France has abolished by decree the law allowing file sharers to have their internet connection cut for copyright infringements, called Hadopi. In the future, the illegal downloading of movies, films or software will instead be subjected to a system of automated fines, which can amount to up to €3 000.

The Hadopi law had been adopted by the Conservative government under Nicholas Sarkozy and entered into force in 2010.