The "fabulous world" of the internet "needs rules" in order to tackle illegal filesharing, it has been claimed.
Legislation and regulations should be introduced to stop broadband users from illegally downloading music and films, it has been claimed.Michel Thiolliere, a French senator, made the comment to the BBC after new laws designed to cut filesharing came into force in the country.
Under the rules, which are similar to restrictions proposed in the UK, those who are found to share files illegally are sent an email and a formal letter calling for them to stop.
People who ignore the warnings could then be taken to court and face either a fine or disconnection.
Discussing the issue, Mr Thiolliere said: "The internet is a fabulous world, but it needs rules, if you want to get cinema, music or video games in the future."
Broadband providers including TalkTalk have spoken out in the past over the introduction of such regulations in the UK.
It was recently suggested that the cost of introducing such measures could run to up to £500 million.