The Memorandum of Understanding, signed in Paris last week by music producers, audiovisual producers, internet service providers and public authorities, involves concrete undertakings by all of the signatories.

The agreement is the result of a wide-ranging negotiations on the fight against internet piracy and availability of creative content online.

John Kennedy, Chairman & CEO of IFPI, the organisation representing the recording industry worldwide, announced that:

“This is the single most important initiative to help win the war on online piracy that we have seen so far. President Sarkozy has shown leadership and vision. He has recognised the importance that the creative industries play in contemporary western economies."

"The winners will be French music, French employees and French music fans. By requiring ISPs to play a role in the fight against piracy, President Sarkozy has set an example to others of how to ensure that the creative industries remain strong in difficult markets so that they can remain major economic and cultural contributors to society."

Under the terms of the agreement, access providers have committed to experimenting with technologies to filter out infringing content on their networks. Record producers have undertaken to make a special effort in favour of interoperability, particularly with regard to music catalogue produced in France. The independent government body will publish on a monthly basis the results of its anti-piracy actions, so the effectiveness of the measures can be assessed.