The French Senate overwhelmingly approved a three-strike law that would disconnect Internet users who download copyrighted entertainment without paying for it. The legislative body overwhelmingly voted in favor of disconnecting Internet pirates, despite European Parliament's direct opposition to the punishment, the EU Observer reports.

The legislation must also be approved by the lower house of parliament, the EU Observer reported. The goal is to force people now engaged in electronic piracy of movies, music and video games to use legal sources like iTunes.

Under the "graduated response" law, Internet users accused of stealing content online for the first time would receive a cautioning email. A second time results in a warning letter delivered by post, and a third claim requires the user's Internet service provider (ISP) to cut access for a year.

The Senate passed the law 297 to 15 with Communists abstaining. The Senate rejected an amendment by Bruno Retailleau, a right-wing senator, who wanted to substitute a fine for the service cut-off. Retailleau argued that depriving people of Internet access is unfair because the service often comes bundled with television, telephone and other services.

Many ISPs have been fighting such proposals because it thrusts responsibility of policing online copyrights on their shoulders.

This three-strike scheme was originally a French amendment to a comprehensive pan-European telecommunications package back in July. The amendment was eventually rejected.

This French legislative move runs counter to the European Parliament that passed an amendment that specifically condemns using disconnection as punishment – although the vote was non-binding and toothless.

Story filed 13.11.08