Failing to Make an Internet Connection Secure Could Become a COA in France

The French government has been sending its observations regarding the referral for review of the HADOPI 2 bill to the Conseil Constitutionnel.

Here is an interesting quote from the document: It may happen that the Internet account holder does not acknowledge to have [illegally] downloaded, and does not secure his Internet access despite the authority [HADOPI] requesting him to do so. In this case, it is likely that no further investigation will be necessary, and criminal misdemeanor prosecution for gross negligence (négligence caractérisée) will be carried out.

Consequently, failing to make an Internet connection secure could become a cause of action for negligence in France.

October 21, 2009 update: It is so easy to surf on un-secured networks that many people could be falsely accused of illegal downloading…