In a recent visit to the Pope, President of France Nicolas Sarkozy remarked that greater regulation of the internet was needed.  President Sarkozy stated that “regulating the internet to correct the excesses and abuses that arise from the total absence of rules is a moral imperative” while making a speech to the Embassy of France to the Holy See.

This pronouncement is not the first indication of the President’s aim of regulating the internet. He described internet piracy as “looting” in a speech made while visiting Jean-Baptiste Corot.  Critics say President Sarkozy’s desire to regulate the internet is born out of fear and a desire for control.