What Happened to Mega (MegaUpload and Mega.nz)?
Mega refers to two distinct but related entities: MegaUpload, a once-dominant file-sharing site shut down in 2012 due to alleged copyright infringement, and Mega.nz, its privacy-focused successor launched in 2013. While MegaUpload's founder, Kim Dotcom, continues his lengthy legal battle against extradition to the U.S., Mega.nz operates as a secure, end-to-end encrypted cloud storage service with millions of users worldwide, having evolved its features and corporate structure.
Quick Answer
MegaUpload, a popular file-sharing service founded by Kim Dotcom, was shut down by U.S. authorities in January 2012 over allegations of massive copyright infringement. Its founder, Kim Dotcom, has been fighting extradition from New Zealand to the U.S. for over a decade, with his latest appeal dismissed on July 1, 2026. The successor service, Mega.nz, launched in 2013, offers secure, end-to-end encrypted cloud storage and related services, operating under new ownership and continuing to emphasize user privacy and data security.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
MegaUpload Founded
Kim Dotcom (then Kim Schmitz) founded the file-sharing service MegaUpload, which grew to become one of the internet's largest platforms for file hosting.
MegaUpload Shut Down and Kim Dotcom Arrested
U.S. authorities orchestrated a raid on Kim Dotcom's mansion in New Zealand, shutting down MegaUpload and arresting Dotcom and several associates on charges of criminal copyright infringement, racketeering, and money laundering.
Mega.nz Launched
Kim Dotcom launched Mega.nz, a new cloud storage service designed as a successor to MegaUpload, emphasizing user-controlled, end-to-end encryption to protect user privacy.
Kim Dotcom Steps Down as Mega Director
Kim Dotcom stepped down as a director of Mega to pursue political ambitions with the Internet Party, though he remained a prominent figure associated with the service.
Kim Dotcom Distances Himself from Mega.nz
Kim Dotcom publicly claimed that Mega.nz was no longer secure and that the New Zealand government had seized shares of a Chinese investor, gaining control of the site. Mega Limited denied these accusations.
NZ Court Rules Dotcom Can Be Extradited
A New Zealand court ruled that Kim Dotcom could be extradited to the U.S. on fraud charges related to MegaUpload, a decision he continued to appeal.
Co-accused Sentenced in New Zealand
Mathias Ortmann and Bram van der Kolk, Kim Dotcom's co-accused, were sentenced in New Zealand's High Court to two years and seven months, and two years and six months respectively, after pleading guilty and agreeing to testify against Dotcom.
Kim Dotcom Suffers Stroke; Extradition Order Signed
Kim Dotcom announced he suffered a 'serious stroke.' Later in August, New Zealand Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith signed his extradition order to the United States.
Mega.nz Corporate Restructuring
Mega.nz underwent a corporate restructuring, with Mega Privacy LLC, a company registered in Hungary, becoming the contractual provider of its cloud and S4 services.
Mega.nz Reaches 338 Million Users
Mega.nz reported having over 338 million registered user accounts across more than 215 countries and territories, with over 208 billion distinct files uploaded.
Mega.nz Updates Interface and Features
Mega.nz released a significant update to its app, featuring a fully restructured look, new home screen, improved navigation, faster file browsing and search, and grouped chats and shares.
Kim Dotcom Vacates Queenstown Mansion
Reports indicated that Kim Dotcom and his wife had vacated their multimillion-dollar Queenstown mansion, which was put up for sale amidst a legal dispute with crypto-evangelist Roger Ver over a mortgage.
Kim Dotcom Loses Latest Extradition Appeal
The New Zealand Court of Appeal dismissed Kim Dotcom's latest appeal against his extradition to the United States, bringing him closer to facing charges related to MegaUpload. He retains one final appeal route to the Supreme Court.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The story of 'Mega' is bifurcated, encompassing the rise and fall of MegaUpload and the subsequent emergence and evolution of Mega.nz. MegaUpload, founded by Kim Dotcom, became one of the internet's largest file-sharing platforms, allegedly facilitating widespread copyright infringement. U.S. authorities claimed the site generated over $175 million in criminal proceeds and caused more than $500 million in damages to copyright holders. This led to a dramatic raid on Dotcom's New Zealand mansion in January 2012, the seizure of MegaUpload's assets, and charges of criminal copyright infringement, racketeering, and money laundering against Dotcom and his associates.
Following MegaUpload's demise, Kim Dotcom launched Mega.nz in January 2013, positioning it as a 'privacy company' with a strong emphasis on user-controlled, end-to-end encryption. The new service aimed to circumvent the legal vulnerabilities that plagued its predecessor by ensuring that Mega.nz itself could not access the content of user files. Dotcom later distanced himself from Mega.nz in 2015, citing concerns about its security, though the company denied these claims.
Since then, Mega.nz has continued to operate and expand its offerings, which now include secure cloud storage, VPN services, password management, encrypted chat, and video conferencing. The company, primarily based in New Zealand and operating under Mega Privacy LLC in Hungary, maintains a 'zero-knowledge' encryption model, meaning user data is encrypted on the client side before being uploaded, and Mega.nz does not hold the decryption keys. This architectural choice is a direct response to the legal challenges faced by MegaUpload, aiming to protect user privacy and limit the company's liability regarding content. As of December 31, 2025, Mega.nz reported over 338 million registered user accounts and regularly publishes transparency reports detailing legal requests for user information and takedown notices.
Meanwhile, Kim Dotcom's protracted legal battle against extradition to the United States has continued for over a decade. On July 1, 2026, the New Zealand Court of Appeal dismissed his latest bid to overturn his extradition, ruling that he was not facing an 'irreducible life sentence' if surrendered to the U.S. justice system. This decision brings him a step closer to facing trial in the U.S., though he still has one final avenue for appeal through the Supreme Court of New Zealand. His co-accused, Mathias Ortmann and Bram van der Kolk, received significantly shorter sentences in New Zealand in 2023 after reaching plea deals. Dotcom has also faced personal challenges, including a serious stroke in 2024 and ongoing legal disputes over his personal assets.
As of mid-2026, Mega.nz remains an active and prominent player in the cloud storage market, known for its privacy features and generous free storage tiers. The platform received a significant interface update in March 2026, enhancing its user experience. The legal saga surrounding Kim Dotcom and MegaUpload, however, continues to unfold, highlighting the complex interplay between digital innovation, copyright law, and international jurisdiction.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Mega (MegaUpload and Mega.nz) made different choices?