PARIS — In the current debate over laws governing music downloads here, some condemn Aziz Ridouan as an advocate of criminal piracy, while others say he represents the new generation of online consumers.

In either case, just about everyone involved listens to what Mr. Ridouan, an 18-year-old high school student, has to say.

"All sides must listen to Aziz because he has an entire generation behind him," said Julien Dourgnon, economic director of the Consumer's Federal Union, one of the largest consumer advocacy groups in France. "He may still be in high school, but Aziz has a more profound understanding of copyright law than most lawyers and members of Parliament."

New proposals to govern music piracy have faced a roller coaster ride through both the French legislature and public opinion here. The National Assembly passed legislation that could force Apple Computer and other companies to make songs purchased on their proprietary online services playable on any MP3 device. The Senate, responding to corporate arguments against such openness, appears ready to approve a weaker version of the law soon.