MegaUpload Users Want Their Files Back, Plan To Sue FBI

It appears MegaUpload’s users aren’t ready to just back down to the feds with new reports claiming international pirate organizations are planning on suing the FBI on behalf of users over files that have been lost due to the shutdown.

If you’ve been following along with the MegaUpload case, you’d know that many of the company’s execs are now awaiting trial on charges of piracy, racketeering, and money laundering following the feds shutting down the massively popular file-sharing site. The charges stem from claims that illegally distributed material on the site has cost copyright holders more than $500 million in lost revenue.

A report today from TorrentFreak highlights the fact that many millions of people have stored legitimate content through MegaUpload with no way of accessing it or knowing whether they’ll ever be able to retrieve the files again. As a result, the Pirate Parties have begun compiling a list of users who want their files back and plan to file an complaint against the US government responsible for the shutdown and in as many other countries as possible.

The Pirates of Catalonia in Spain, in conjunction with the Pirate Parties International have put up a website urging MegaUpload users to join the cause. Here’s an excerpt from their full statement:

As much of the unlawful content will still be available via other services on the web, this action not only shows us the futility of these measures but also serves as a reminder that these files are not necessarily, nor have been shown to be, illegal in any country, including the US… by closing the service they have impeded the access to millions of archives of both private individuals and organisations, potentially causing huge personal, economic and image damages to a vast number of people. In addition, the Pirate Party understands they may have violated Articles 197 and 198 of the Spanish Penal Code by misappropiating personal data.

To join the cause and support the Pirate Parties’ attempt to get our files back, you can join here by entering your name and some basic info. We’ll keep you posted as the Pirate Parties move forward with their plan.

Currently visiting MegaUpload.com provides the following notice:

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