Internet users in France who download music and films without paying for them could find their web access shut down by a government body, under a ground-breaking industry agreement backed by Nicolas Sarkozy, the president.

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Forum and poll: Would the proposed ‘three strikes’ policy reduce the illegal downloading of music and movies?

The plan, which Mr Sarkozy is to endorse in a speech today, will put France at the forefront of the battle against internet piracy with a three-strikes-and-you-are-out policy against repeat offenders.