Megaupload
| Website | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Megaupload |
| Owner/Maintainer: | |
| Dates: | 2005 - January 2012 |
| Type: | File Sharing |
| Fandom: | Not Applicable |
| URL: | http://www.megaupload.com |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
This article or section needs expansion. |
Megaupload (MU) was one of the most popular file sharing services available. While many users did use Megaupload to share movies and TV shows, the site was also used for legal fannish purposes: "Online locker services are heavily used by fans engaged in transformative works such as podfic recordings, music videos, collections of artwork, or even single story fan fiction downloads intended for eReaders." [1]
Closure
In January 2012, the FBI and the US Justice Department seized the Megaupload domain. Many fans feared that MU had been the first victim of the proposed SOPA/PIPA and ACTA bills. (Details: http://synecdochic.dreamwidth.org/522290.html)
Fannish Response
Many fans were outraged and frightened by MU's closure. Some communities were made virtually worthless by the loss of Megaupload. Some fans, afraid of legal action, chose to shut down their sites, or stop uploading/downloading content altogether.
(Links to fannish protests: http://kylara.dreamwidth.org/10522.html)
facetofcathy thought the U.S. DoJ calling it a "Mega Conspiracy" was overblown and she and cesare discussed possible classism in the coverage of the takedown.[2]
Batman does not approve.
Tumblr (in the form of Pirates of the Caribbean's Captain Sparrow) pays its respects in a gif.
References
- ^ OTW-news - Links roundup for 23 January 2012 (Accessed Jan. 25, 2012)
- ^ facetofcathy - Mega Conspiracy post and comments, 20 Jan 2012. (Accessed 25 Jan 2012)