European powerhouse France has ushered in controversial new legislation that looks to cut off the internet connections of those found to have pirated movies, music and games online.

Offenders face being cut off from the internet for up to a year. A new agency has been established to govern the process, according to TechRadar.

The three-strikes-and-you’re-out policy has received plenty of opposition, though many pro-copyright campaigners are keen to see similar measure introduced on this side of The Channel.

“France is acting as a spearhead,” director general of the French music industry association David El Sayegh stated. “Piracy is not just a French problem, it is a global problem.”

However, La Quadrature du Net’s Jérémie Zimmermann heaped scorn on the ruling, stating: “It is a very sad day for Internet freedom in France.”