Free backs down in hadopi dispute

INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER AGREES TO SEND OUT WARNING EMAILS TO SUSPECTED ILLEGAL DOWNLOADERS FREE has agreed to release the personal details of suspected illegal downloaders to France's

new anti-piracy body. The company had faced a large fine as it was the only internet service provider that refused to provide the data to Hadopi, which is targeting web users with its first

batch of warning emails. ISPs are required to provide the address, phone number and name of the person in charge of an internet account if it is believed to have been used for illegal

downloading. Free had initially refused, asking the culture ministry for further assurances about how users' personal details will be handled. An emergency decree has now been passed,

ordering Free and other ISPs to comply within Hadopi's demands and forward the warnings within 24 hours or face a fine of €1,500 per web user. According to _Le Point_, the government

has agreed to pay ISPs for the work involved in identifying the web user, at a rate of €0.65 per IP address. Free is considering challenging the decree with the European Commission. It

claims the correct procedures were not followed and Brussels was not made aware of the decree before it was passed. The first batch of Hadopi emails draw attention to the fact that the

user's account has been used to download films or music illegally. It warns users to make sure that their account is secure so other people cannot use it. If the offence is repeated

within the following six months, Hadopi will send a warning letter by a recorded delivery. If the downloading continues, users could see their internet access cut off. Five companies that

deal with the rights to films, TV shows and music have been given permission to monitor internet activity and collect details of IP addresses and web providers.