French plans to disconnect persistent illegal file sharers are a step closer to becoming the law.

The French Senate voted 297 to 15 in favour of the 'three strikes' law, which aims to tackle ongoing piracy of music, movies and games online.

Under this scheme people who habitually download copyrighted music from file-sharing sites will be given two warnings by their internet service provider (ISP).

If they do not heed these warnings they will have their broadband disconnected.

The proposed law now goes before the French National Assembly for final approval.

However, the idea to tackle piracy with a three strikes law will not come as a surprise to the French. It was first suggested by French president Nicolas Sarkozy in November 2007, when he described it as “a decisive moment for the future of a civilised internet".

Christine Albanel, French culture minister, said: "Of course, there is no secret plan to impose the French anti-piracy plan to the rest of Europe.

"I simply wish that our experience will prove an inspiration for other European states whose cultural businesses are as threatened as the French ones. "

Prior to the Senate vote French politicians rejected an amendment by Bruno Retailleau of the conservative MPF party, who suggested using fines instead of cutting people off.

Mr Retailleau said the internet had become an "essential commodity" and cutting people off went too far.