Internet users in France be warned, the French government in a joint effort with the French film and music industry have proposed a new anti-piracy system by which internet service providers would be required to monitor their customers surfing activities in order to identify those who download pirated music, films and software.

The Internet must not become a high-tech Far West, a lawless zone where outlaws can pillage works with abandon

The information gathered would be passed on to the government and the copyright owners of  any material downloaded.

If the proposed regulations go ahead web users downloading illegally will receive a warning message from their internet provider which if ignored would lead to the users internet account being suspended.

"The Internet must not become a high-tech Far West, a lawless zone where outlaws can pillage works with abandon or, worse, trade in them in total impunity. And on whose backs? On artists' backs" said president Nicolas Sarkozy in a speech in which he endorsed the proposals.

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