After a bitter battle to get it through parliament France's new three strike internet piracy law or Hadopi as it is known finally came into effect today.

Web users that download films, music, games and other copyrighted material illegally will first be sent a warning email from their internet service provider warning them to stop. If they continue to download copyrighted material they will then be sent a letter and for further offences will be taken to court where the judge can fine them or suspend their internet access.

The French government has struggled to get the new legislation passed with many of its opponents saying that the new law is far too draconian. French senator Michel Thiolliere said that "The internet is a fabulous world, but it needs rules, if you want to get cinema, music or video games in the future."

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