RTV71 used our news submit to tell us the latest in the story concerning the French and their legal systems view of DRM controls. What makes this bill interesting, is now DRM will have to be shared. In other words, if Apple wants an iTunes store in France, this is fine, as long as they make that DRM source available to others that wish to produce hardware that can accept it.
However, there are many facets to this bill. For one thing, it legalizes DRM in France. Before, an audio CD for instance that contained DRM, was considered to have a hidden flaw and end users had a right to legal redress. Not any more, this bill changes all that. Another impact has to do with P2P file sharing programs, including mapping out the parameters for use of such programs. In addition, corresponding fines for abuse of P2P for downloading and uploading copyrighted works were determined.
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<break> In addition, the bill will make it illegal to develop, distribute or promote P-to-P (peer-to-peer) software for purposes other than collaborative working, research purposes or the exchange of noncommercial works. In addition, if French Internet users are found to have traded illicit files using such software, they will face a fine of $46 per infraction for downloading, or $182 per infraction for uploading. The bill calls on the Council of State to determine what level of trading constitutes an infraction. |
Those interested, may wish to visit Computerworld in order to view the article at the source.
Source: Computerworld
