Apparently the French government's attempt to crack down on digital piracy, including fines of up to $360,000 and up to three years in jail, has backfired big time. Associated Press reports that France's lower house would legalize file-sharing by anyone paying a monthly royalty duty estimated at $8.50 (7 Euros) per month. The plan would offer consumers all they can download for the minisucle monthly fee. Music labels and film distributors have suggested the proposal would break international laws on intellectual property. Leading French actors and Musicians were obviously not happy with this they lined up to condemn the surprise vote. "To legalize the downloading of our music, almost free of charge, is to kill our work," venerable rocker Johnny Hallyday said in a statement.

Via - Ehomeupgrade