When book-selling giant Amazon entered the Canadian market, there were fears the company’s discounted prices and attractive shipping rates would kill the homegrown market.

There are similar fears in France where Amazon is about to set up shop. But the socialist government there plans do something about it.

French culture minister Aurelie Filipetti says the government will introduce a law preventing Amazon from offering discounts or free shipping. It says that amounts to unfair competition.

France already bans companies from discounting book prices more than five per cent below the price set by the publisher. It’s meant to protect smaller retailers.

There has been no comment from Amazon.