French Govt Begins Asking ISPs to Identify File-Sharers

[p2p rules]

High Authority has already sent out 800 requests to ISPs asking them to identify suspected file-sharers per the country’s HADOPI “three-strikes” law, meaning that the first official warning letters – strikes – could begin in a few days time.

The era of disconnecting file-sharers from the Internet has officially begun in France with news that the country’s High Authority has begun sending out notices to ISPs requesting the identities of people suspected of illegally downloading copyrighted material.

The effort is part of the country’s “Creation and Internet” law, the controversial “three-strikes” measure to fight P2P in that country first proposed first proposed back in June of 2008. It was formally passed last September, but not after first before being ruled unconstitutional over the fact that an agency (HADOPI), and not a judge, was allowed to disconnect people from the Internet.

So far HADOPI it has sent out more than 800 requests, and barring any compliance complications with ISPs, it should begin receiving the full names, addresses, and e-mails of suspected file-sharers. It’s unlikely to have an issues however, for all ISPs have already said they plan to respond without a fight. ISPs that refuse to comply face a an “offense of the fifth class” and a fine of 1500 euros ($2,000 USD).

This means some French file-sharers could begin receiving their first warning letter – i.e. strike – in the coming days.

The number of initial requests has apparently been limited to 800 because HADOPI is still trying to work out the kinks in its system. An unnamed ISP notes that a mass campaign has not begun “mainly because HADOPI is not ready to do today.”

The “problem” is that HADOPI is trying to put an automated system in place to speed the process along, an important feature considering the Ministry of Culture hopes to send at least 10,000 warning letters per day.

Let’s hope putting that system in place takes a while.

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