The law was passed by a margin of 285 votes to 225. It will operate on a "three strikes" basis, with offenders being sent a warning email and then a warning letter. If they persist, their connection will be cut off for a year. They could also face a fine of EUR300,000 (?267,000) and a prison sentence.

An earlier draft of the bill being pushed by President Sarkozywas deemed to be "unconstitutional" in June and had to be redrafted.

It ...