Kim Dotcom

So, Kim Dotcom. A shady character - yes. Guilty? From the information currently available, it is difficult to say. I think it rather depends on what he is eventually charged with. It's clear though, for anyone who has ever searched for a download, that megaupload has been widely used for illegal file sharing. 


It seems to me that the situation is a bit like prosecuting a gun manufacturer if someone is shot with a pistol or bullet that they have made - the morality of which is examined in Michael Moore's excellent 'Bowling for Columbine'. The statistics for shootings and gun ownership in America speak for themselves about how much the USA loves guns but the question remains as to how much they love file sharing.


I suppose the real question though, is whether the influential pockets of Hollywood and the 'record industry' are deep enough to protect their financial interests, as well as the future production of quality content, against the widely supported revolution in how we consume our media, the growth of which can be partially quantified in the enormous wealth amassed by the accused. 


I'm sure in the event of his being found guilty he will receive a suitably Draconian sentence, in which case he will have plenty of time to reflect on the seemingly foolish decision not to reside in a location without an extradition agreement with the US.