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So it seems with the seemingly imminent implementation of ACTA, Megaupload (one of the largest, fastest, and most popular file hosting services) is now out for good as its domains have been seized by the US government and its sites closed down. Rather unfortunate as it was probably my favorite file hosting site. Filesonic and other file hosting services have also announced that they will be ending file sharing by allowing only the original uploader of files to download them. Additionally, many file hosting sites have discontinued their "rewards program" which rewarded users for acquiring large amounts of downloads (usually premium accounts but in MU's case, premium accounts AND money).

Megaupload founder Kim Schmitz (Kim Dotcom) has also been arrested and is currently being detained without bail in New Zealand with the possibility of extradition to the US. If found guilty, it could spell bad news for any site that unknowingly participates in copyright infringement such as youtube, mediafire, facebook, google, etc.

It seems likely that if the people don't make enough noise over this outrage, ACTA and SOPA will be soon to pass. The hacker collection known as "Anonymous" has taken it upon themselves to retaliate with a mass DDoS attack on the websites of the organizations that orchestrated the takedown. A more effective means of protest, IMO, would be a mass boycott of the goods they seek to protect. I doubt that would ever happen though. People today are too spoiled to go without the latest Lady Gaga song for too long.

cat_gonk You mean we got a second piece of garbage that needs to be shot down too!! cat_stare It saddens me that people had suggested to create such a thing as SOPA in the first place and cause such a thing. I find that in a way it's stopping a form of creativity for some as they draw their inspiration from the works of art, the songs, movies and pictures that others create (myself included in this part) and stifles creativity in a way. I'm glad to hear that such an awful thing as SOPA will be stopped one way or another. I do however hope that this ACTA thing will not be the same basic idea wrapped in a different package though. I find that sharing things is human nature and another way of getting to know one another and what they like and dislike so such a thing holds a vast array of ramifications. I'll be sure to try and see if I can find out more about this ACTA thing through those that are more informed then myself on the matter though because when we can't share things then I think it's a sad day indeed.

I'd have to agree with you in this too however. It's also quite difficult to have a debate or even make an informed decision on such things if there is no information available to make such a decision. It'll be interesting to watch such a debate I think. I suppose I can see both sides of the argument to a degree with the amount of information I have at the moment so I can't say that I'm against those that wish to be paid for the time and effort they put into things such as your graphic novel and I am against the stealing and taking credit for works that others had done. I know that when I use images and such I refuse to claim any of it as my own work as they are rightfully the work of the owners and such things. The most I would do is say if I altered an image then I'd say as much but still point all credit towards the original artist. A more detailed and informed piece of literature that holds the details of both SOPA and ACTA would be more desirable I think to many who wish to make informed choices on things even though they hold their opinion on one part or another aspect of it.

I see. This would be one of the reasons I would like to look into it more actually. I only have limited knowledge of it myself so although the information I have paints a rather bleak and unjust picture, I would like to be more informed on the matter if I were to take on such a large decision on a vote or such. However from what little information I do possess of the SOPA I am shocked and think it's a terrible thing, but even saying so I also acknowledge that I would need more information on the subject and due to personal preference I just like to be well informed before I dedicate any time or energy towards one side or another.

Wait a minute.. since SOPA isn't being passed anymore, shouldn't that megauploader guy be set free or something?

SOPA isn't about who does and who doesn't get arrested. SOPA is more about taking down content and deciding which sites are taken down. He was found in violation of existing copyright laws.

They did clearly choose to make an example of him and demonstrate their willingness to enforce laws like SOPA. I won't say that it was totally a coincidence, but they can't start enforcing a law when it's still a bill waiting to be passed. There were copyright laws already in place that made what he did illegal. As I said, it seems clear that they wanted to make an example of him.