The founder of the Megaupload file-sharing and storage site, shut down in January on piracy claims, hinted on Twitter today that the popular service may return with a new music download service called Megabox.
“I know what you are all waiting for. It’s coming. This year,” Kim Dotcom said on Twitter early Monday. “Promise. Bigger. Better. Faster. 100% Safe & Unstoppable.”
Dotcom’s tweet may refer to Megaupload users’ outrage at losing access to personal files when the site and a number of affiliated services, including Megavideo, were seized by New Zealand and American authorities. Dotcom and several other Megaupload executives were arrested. The FBI called the Megaupload seizure one of the “largest criminal copyright cases ever brought by the United States.”
MegaUpload allowed users to upload any file and then share a download link with others. Customers protested that the takedown prevented their access to personal recordings, business documents, and other files. The fate of Megaupload user data is not resolved, but those troubles appear to be the inspiration behind Dotcom’s reference to a service that is bigger, better, safe, and unstoppable.
Megabox?
The Next Web, which first reported on Dotcom’s statement, interpreted the Megaupload founder’s tweet to be a tease for Megabox, a music service designed to let artists sell songs directly to users. Dotcom responded with a second tweet saying, “Yes…Megabox is also coming this year.” In June, Dotcom published a screenshot for the Megabox site via Instagram.
Since his arrest, Dotcom has repeatedly said Megaupload acted within the law and complied with all legal copyright takedown notices it received. Dotcom is currently fighting extradition from New Zealand to face charges in the United States. The Megaupload founder is also fighting in U.S. court to regain control of his business.
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