heise online - French deputies want to legalize private use of file-sharing networks
The dispute over the reform of French copyright law has taken a surprising turn: Contrary to the government's wishes, the deputies, after the second day of negotiations in the early hours of Thursday, have spoken out in favor of allowing the sharing of files of copyrighted works for private purposes using a "global license" with a lump-sum remuneration.
Ok, the direction is of course much better than the previous one. Let's hope it stays that way. It would be a change to see a state focusing on the legalization and sensible implementation of private copies for once. And it could really bring the idea of a cultural flat rate to the fore.