First emails sent to web pirates

THE FRENCH body set up to counter illegal downloading, Hadopi, has sent out its first warning emails.

According to PcInpact, clients of Bouygues and Numericable will be the first to receive them.

The internet provider Free has asked the Ministry of Culture for further assurances about how users' personal details will be handled.

Initial 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.

The companies then send these details, along with the time that illegal downloading took place, to Hadopi, which in turn asks internet providers for the address, phone number and name of the person in charge of the internet access of that computer.

Hadopi has also officially launched its website www.hadopi.fr