Copyright protection is taking a huge leap forward.
MegaUpload, a popular file-sharing site that allows visitors to download free movies and television shows, is not deleting its online data just yet. Managers of the Carpathia Hosting and Cogent Communications, two services that hosts MegaUpload’s data, have agreed to preserve MegaUpload’s online material for a minimum of two weeks, beginning on Monday.
The commotion around the site began on January 19th, when the Department of Justice announced that it has taken action to shut down MegaUpload. Prior to the government order, users were allowed to both upload files onto the site as well as download content from other members. Premium members whose content became popular were paid for their participation. Based primarily in Hong Kong, MegaUpload made a total of $175 million through its advertisements and premium subscription fees over a period of five years. At its peak, the site received more than 50 million visitors daily.
After receiving indictments from a Virginia grand jury however, the company was charged for racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit copyright infringement and the federal authorities have since arrested six other people affiliated with the piracy site, seizing 18 domain names and $500 million in assets. According to the indictment, the operators of MegaUpload caused an estimated $500 dollars in harm to copyright holders. Furthermore, New Zealand police also raided the home of MegaUpload founder Kim DotCom, arresting him on charges of piracy, money laundering and racketeering charges. Authorities also seized a significant amount of Dotcom’s personal assets, which included 108-inch flat screen TVs, 60 servers and 18 luxury cars.
The news of MegaUpload’s fall was met with support from the entertainment industry, whose leaders have faced an opposition in their advocacy for the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA). On the other hand, critics who thought the bills didn’t protect civil liberties conducted a U.S. Internet “blackout.” Participants in the Internet freeze included Wikipedia, Craigslist and Reddit. The protest pressured lawmakers to oppose SOPA and PIPA.
Just as opinions varied over online piracy nationwide, Duke students also offered their share of perspectives.
“I can see why MegaUpload was such a popular site,” said freshman Max Karakul. “I just don’t think it’s necessary, especially for Duke students, since we can readily borrow movies and shows from the libraries on campus.”
Other students showed support for the two week extension before Megaupload’s data are deleted.
“It’s a good thing that the files are being preserved,” said freshman Mark Chee. “It’s one thing to punish the founders of website, but it’s another to punish the members who legally uploaded their files.”
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