MegaUpload, one of the world’s largest file-sharing sites, has been shut down and several employees, including the founder, have been charged with violating piracy laws. The site has been accused of costing copyright holders over $500 million in lost revenue from pirated music and other content. The shut-down comes only a day after websites such as Wikipedia and Reddit shut down services in protest of proposals (SOPA/PIPA) intended to stop online piracy.
MegaUpload, which launched in 2005 and is one of the most popular “locker” services on the Internet, lets users anonymously transfer large files — and has generated $175 million in income for its operators through subscription fees or advertising.
Back in December, MegaUpload posted a bizarre music video on YouTube featuring from artists like Kanye West, P. Diddy, Alicia Keys approving the site.
