[pp.int.general] #megacomplaint: Joint complaint of those affected by the closure of Megaupload service

[David Arcos]

Hi,

please help with the difussion:

http://pirata.cat/bloc/?p=2813#english

http://megaupload.pirata.cat/

#megacomplaint <https://twitter.com/#!/search/realtime/%23megacomplaint>

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The FBI has caused incalculable damage, far in excess of the losses claimed
by the content lobbies, in a fruitless attempt to prevent access to the
media content hosted on Megaupload, some of which they claim to have been
infringing copyright under US law. However, 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.

In contrast, 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, and potentially come into conflict with the principles
underpinning UK and European privacy, data protection and computer misuse
laws. There is even a possibility that they have broken one of the UK’s
Official Secrets Acts, which prohibits espionage and sharing of sensitive
data with foreign powers.

The widespread damage caused by the sudden closure of Megaupload is
unjustified and completely disproportionate to the aim intended. For this
reason Pirates of Catalonia, in collaboration with Pirate Parties
International and other Pirate Parties [including the Pirate Party of the
United Kingdom], have begun investigating these potential breaches of law
and will facilitate submission of complaints against the US authorities in
as many countries as possible, to ensure a positive and just result.

In order to make this joint complaint, a platform has been created where
any person or organisation affected by this closure can register their
interest, regardless of the type of account they had on Megaupload.

To access the platform, please visit:

http://megaupload.pirata.cat

This initiative is a starting point for legitimate internet users to help
defend themselves from the legal abuses promoted by those wishing to
aggressively lock away cultural materials for their own financial gain.

Regardless of ideology, or opinions on the legality or morality of those
running Megaupload, actions such as the closure of this service cause huge
damage to lawful users of the sites and are unacceptable and
disproportionate violations of their rights.

For these reasons, we ask that everyone spread the call to join this
initiative, as actions like this one cannot and should not be forgiven.

Pirates de Catalunya

http://pirata.cat

@partit_pirata
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