Since the feds shut down Megaupload, there's been concern about what would happen to the user data stored using the service. Turns out that it may just be deleted, as early as this Thursday.


Feds Kill Megaupload (Updated) Mixtape mecca and openair piracy expo Megaupload has a serious problem: it's just been shut down by Read more

Associated Press reports that a letter, filed in the case on Friday by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, explained that the third-party data-storage companies used by Megaupload may begin deleting data this Thursday.


The letter also explained that though the government copied some data from the servers, it did not physically take them. Unlike the really important stuff, like his cars. Now that it's executed its search warrants, it has no right to access the data.

The servers are actually controlled by Carpathia Hosting Inc. and Cogent Communications Group Inc., and it seems the future of users' data lies at least in part with them. And at the moment, that means they plan to delete it fairly soon.

Megaupload attorney Ira Rothken explained to Associated Press that the company is working to stop the data from being erased: "We're cautiously optimistic at this point that because the United States, as well as Megaupload, should have a common desire to protect consumers, that this type of agreement will get done."


There have already been rumblings about Megaupload users attempting to sue the FBI. What's going to happen now?


Update: Carpathia Hosting Inc. have issued the following statement on their website. "In reference to the letter filed by the U.S. Department of Justice with the Eastern District of Virginia on Jan. 27, 2012, Carpathia Hosting does not have, and has never had, access to the content on MegaUpload servers and has no mechanism for returning any content residing on such servers to MegaUpload's customers. The reference to the Feb. 2, 2012 date in the Department of Justice letter for the deletion of content is not based on any information provided by Carpathia to the U.S. Government. We would recommend that anyone who believes that they have content on MegaUpload servers contact MegaUpload. Please do not contact Carpathia Hosting."

Update 2: The Megaupload attorney Ira Rothken has tweeted: "Carpathia and Cogent agreed to preserve consumer data for additional time of at least two weeks so #Megaupload can work with US on proposal"


[Associated Press]