New Version Of Megaupload Nearly Finished, Says Kim Dotcom
When New Zealand law-enforcement officials raided the home of Kim Dotcom in January, they probably didn’t think the Megaupload founder would arrange for the return of the file-hosting site. That didn't stop Dotcom from taking to Twitter Friday and teasing that the new version of his site is almost complete, as noted by TorrentFreak.
“Quick update on the new Mega: Code is 90% done. Servers on the way,” Dotcom tweeted. “Lawyers, partners and investors are ready. Be patient it’s coming.”
These new comments by Dotcom, who was born Kim Schmitz, are in line with other recent remarks, when he claimed Megaupload 2.0 would be even better than the first incarnation. It is said to include video games, fax tools, email, and other applications far beyond file-sharing capabilities.
“We are building a massive global network. All non-US hosters will be able to connect servers & bandwidth. Get ready,” Dotcom tweeted Aug. 28. “The new Mega will bring encryption to the masses. No installs, no hassle, one-click privacy of all your data transfers," he tweeted days later.
The new site is reportedly gearing up for a launch late this year, but Americans will not be able to host files. It’s previously been reported most of the world’s BitTorrent files are both consumed and uploaded in the U.S.
Megaupload.com was one of the most visited websites, attracting 50 million users a day at the height of its popularity. The site hosted illegal video streams and made it possible for users to easily share illicit media content. Copyright enforcers often cited Megaupload as one of the foremost perpetrators of online piracy.
After Megaupload was taken down, the Associated Press via USA Today reported that the site earned Dotcom $42 million last year. AP also reported the site cost copyright holders an estimated $500 million in lost revenue.
In any case, Dotcom tweeted Aug. 28: “They abused the wrong guy. I am going to turn this world upside down. Power to the people. Bye bye Echelon. Hello Freedom.”
The uncertainty surrounding his legal battles does not appear to have intimidated Dotcom in the least. Along with updating fans about the new website’s status, Dotcom also said investors are lining up to back the project financially.
Last December -- the month before Dotcom’s New Zealand home was raided -- “The Mega Song” was posted on YouTube. Pop stars such as Alicia Keys, Snoop Dogg, and Kanye West, among others, were featured in the video endorsing the website.
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