Kim Dotcom launches new file-sharing service

Kim Dotcom, the founder of the shut-down file-sharing site Megaupload, launches new online storage service called Mega. The site will give users direct control over their files.

Mega launch comes weeks before the internet entrepreneur will stand an extradition hearing to the US, where he, together with other Megaupload operators, faces charges of online piracy, fraud and money laundering. 

The US government has claimed that Megaupload was responsible for its illegally uploaded content and that it gained $175 million from unlawful activities. 

The new site will allegedly avoid utilizing US-based hosting companies as partners to avoid being shut down again by US authorities. 

"The new Mega avoids any dealings with U.S. hosters, U.S. domains and U.S. backbone providers and has changed the way it operates to avoid another takedown," said Dotcom.

Megaupload was shut down in January 2012 when New Zealand police raided Dotcom's mansion and seized the German born entrepreneur's computes at the request of US authorities. The internet tycoon was placed in custody in response to US charges of criminal copyright infringement.