In order to fight Internet piracy, the French government has unveiled a new anti-piracy system that will block Internet access of those caught downloading- or sharing- copyrighted content.

The system will warn identified users, and threaten them with either suspension or termination of Internet subscriptions if they don't stop illegal file-sharing.

For this initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by music producers, audio-visual producers, Internet service providers, and public authorities.

Under the MoU, Internet access providers will use new technologies to filter-out infringing content on their networks; while record producers will make a special effort in favor of interoperability, particularly with regard to music catalogues produced in France.

Meanwhile, the independent government body will publish on a monthly basis, the results of its anti-piracy actions so that the effectiveness of the measures can be assessed.

The initiative is led by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), which represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide.

According to John Kennedy, chairman and chief executive officer of IFPI, this is the single most important initiative to help win the war on online piracy that we have seen so far.

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