World Scene: France

Net piracy law rejected

Lawmakers unexpectedly rejected a bill that would have cut off the Internet connections of people who illegally download music or films. It would have also created the world's first government agency to track and punish those who steal music and film on the Internet.

The contested bill had initially passed the lower house of parliament last week. Few lawmakers appeared for yesterday's vote to finalize the measure. The National Assembly rejected by a vote of 21-15.