What is your opinion on Megaupload?

I think he deserves jail because he let people upload copyrighted material and he showed off his money he got from people paying for the site.

I'm concerned that time will come when I will have a hard time downloading books. Megaupload is one of the better sites used by those sharing/distributing books online. Anyway, I still have other sources, but I may have to start downloading more books just in case other file sharing sites are also being threatened with closure. As for the "trend" against file-sharing sites, I think this is just another episode in the history of copyright. It's widely known that the concept of intellectual property rights based on the copyright law needs revision. Much of the ideas about copyright dates back to the Gutenberg era. I think it's about time an information-age philosopher argues in favor of a wider distribution of knowledge.

The site was heavily infringing on copyrights, that's for sure. I didn't really follow the story but if they were breaking the law, then they should be arrested as such. I just wonder if they will shut down any additional file sharing sites. I know of a ton off the top of my head. We'll just have to see how it goes.

They were accused of copyright infringement, but it's actually the users of the site that were uploading copyrighted material. Part of the issue here is that they have a reward system for users with popular downloads, which often happen to be pirated material, so they were accused of encouraging piracy. But it can also be argued that they should not be held responsible for the actions of their users. And if I'm not mistaken, I think they do take down materials if they receive complaints (though I'm not sure how often they actually do this). So yeah, they might not have actually broken the law, even if their users ain't the most law-abiding bunch.

Ok so you have to understand that he didn't just break the law. He was breaking the law, basically stealing thousands from Hollywood and making money off it. I think that the owners punishment was a little harsh but it was a pretty big deal what he was doing. Unlike youtube or other sites that take down copyrighted material at Megaupload and megavideo there was so much stuff that was considered illegal even before SOPA was a thought in anyone's minds. I'm not pro SOPA but there is still some truth in what the government is trying to do. There are too many people out there who will download something off the internet because its free rather than pay for the DVD. But this is not how an economy works. People have to spend money to make money, and if everyone is just downloading off the internet then Hollywood doesn't make money. If Hollywood doesn't make money then there will be no more movies. See my point?

I agree with you my friend, break the law that means you must enter the jail.I agree with you my friend, break the law that means you must enter the jail.