A Bunch Of RIAA Label Artists Endorse MegaUpload... As RIAA Insists It's A 'Rogue' Site

Music Industry

from the how's-that-working-out-for-you? dept

Fri, Dec 9th 2011 12:22pm — Mike Masnick

Supporters of PROTECT IP and SOPA are continuing to insist that they need to take down these horrible "rogue sites" to protect the artists, who they insist are being robbed blind by the sites. The US Chamber of Commerce keeps trotting out stats about how much traffic these sites get. Yet, as we noted recently, a huge percentage of the traffic that bill supporters keep insisting is "rogue" is from the sites MegaUpload and MegaVideo. So, it seems noteworthy, as TorrentFreak has revealed, that a large group of the biggest RIAA music stars have all performed on a song/video endorsing MegaUpload and how useful it is: Among the stars taking part: P Diddy, Will.i.am, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, The Game, Mary J Blige , Kim Kardashian, Floyd Mayweather and Jamie Foxx.

�When I got to send files across the globe, I use Megaupload,� declares Will.i.am, an artist signed to labels owned by RIAA-members Warner and Universal.

�When I�m sending my hits out I use Megaupload, �cos it�s fast. I can receive hits and I can send �em out,� declares P Diddy, an artist signed to Interscope, a label owned by Universal.

Kanye West, signed to Universal-owned Def Jam, likes to use Megaupload ��because it�s the fastest and safest way to send files � period.�

Alicia Keys, who is signed to Sony-owned RCA, says she uses Megaupload ��.because I know that I can get my music safely and quickly -and you know that I�m serious about my music.�

Snoop Dogg, signed to EMI-owned Priority, uses it ��because it keeps the kids off the street,� and The Game (Universal) says that even his lawyers know he uses it, ��and I got plenty of them.�

And yet the RIAA, the MPAA and the US Chamber of Commerce are still insisting that MegaUpload is "rogue" and must be shut down? How's that work now?

TorrentFreak's article also reveals some other info about MegaUpload's plans -- some of which may be pretty controversial in other areas. For example, they want to get people to use a product called Megakey, which basically gives them access to "premium" services for free... but in exchange for having ads you see on other sites replaced by ads sourced from Mega. That's a lawsuit of a different nature waiting to happen. Replacing ads on other sites has resulted in lawsuits in the past. The details of how that actually work would be interesting, but I don't see how it doesn't end up tied up in court at some point.

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Filed Under: cyberlockers, diddy, kanye west, pipa, protect ip, rogue sites, sopa, will.i.am
Companies: megaupload, riaa

46 Comments

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MAJikMARCer (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 12:32pm

Old news
The labels going against the interests of their artists. Is that really a new thing? ;)
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out_of_the_blue, 9 Dec 2011 @ 12:39pm

SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
I really need to number the boilerplate themes around here. This one is "a few legal uploads out of illegal petabytes make it all legal".

You also keep pretending that all opposition opposes such legal uplaoads. (IF are legal: contracts limit such distribution, remember?) NO, I encourage you all to upload YOUR stuff for anyone to grab and sell as their own. But when it's someone else's, NOPE, you don't have that right.
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I-Blz, 9 Dec 2011 @ 12:42pm

Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
I wanted to argue against you here, Blueskie, but your grammar went to shit so hard in the last segment that I have no idea where to start. So, I won't! Cheers!
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The eejit (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 12:45pm

Wait, WHAT?
Kim Kardashian sings?

Okay, that's not good news for the world.
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out_of_the_blue, 9 Dec 2011 @ 12:45pm

Re: Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
@I-Blz, Dec 9th, 2011 @ 12:42pm

I wanted to argue against you here, Blueskie, but your grammar went to shit so hard in the last segment that I have no idea where to start. So, I won't! Cheers!
---------

You're making progress by admitting you have no ideas. First step to recovery is admitting the problem. -- NOW, if you could just check the premise that Mike is an expert because he blogs with re-writes about /problems/, yet never a solution...
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Anonymous Coward, 9 Dec 2011 @ 12:45pm

Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
I like you OOTB, really, i do.
I have to admit that sometimes i almost feel ashamed for laughing at you, but ... c'mon ... even a cheap laugh is a laugh.
keep it up!
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out_of_the_blue, 9 Dec 2011 @ 12:46pm

Re: Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
@I-Blz, Dec 9th, 2011 @ 12:42pm

I wanted to argue against you here, Blueskie, but your grammar went to shit so hard in the last segment that I have no idea where to start. So, I won't! Cheers!
---------

You're making progress by admitting you have no ideas. First step to recovery is admitting the problem. -- NOW, if you could just check the premise that Mike is an expert because he blogs with re-writes about /problems/, yet never a solution...
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out_of_the_blue, 9 Dec 2011 @ 12:47pm

Re: Re: Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
Double post due to unknown delay, got impatient.
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Anonymous Coward, 9 Dec 2011 @ 12:55pm

Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
"You also keep pretending that all opposition opposes such legal uplaoads. (IF are legal: contracts limit such distribution, remember?)"

You keep ignoring the point that you're pushing for secondary and tetriary liability. How is a service provider (in this case Megaupload) supposed to magically filter out the infringing content without violating the rights of the people uploading non infringing content ?, if you want to filter and scan, all data will have to be scanned, even non infringing data.

So, what you are arguing for is that EVERYONE should be under surveillance, EVERYONE should relinquish their rights because you hope to catch the people who are infringing.
That ... is simply unacceptable.

If i'm not mistaken your fav expression not too long ago was "broad brush", well, SOPA and PIPA is the very definition of broad brush, they are in fact the very equivalent of amputating the arm to 'cure' a rash on the hand. they are far too overreaching and would cause way too much collateral damage to justify the intended goal.

This though seems to elude you, and i have a strong suspicion it has to do with who issues your paycheck.

Let me ask you this, is your personal paycheck more important than the rights of the population as a whole ?
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Gwiz (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 12:57pm

Re: Wait, WHAT?
Funny. My first thought reading this was:

WTF is Kim Kardashian doing on that list????
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Anonymous Coward, 9 Dec 2011 @ 12:58pm

Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
/Blue/ - I upload encouragement so all can /enjoy/ IF legal such opposition disopposes stuff for anyone.

Everyone remember really /RIAA/ presumes own sell?!?
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Anonymous Coward, 9 Dec 2011 @ 1:00pm

Re: Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
"Let me ask you this, is your personal paycheck more important than the rights of the population as a whole ?"

Btw, if that is true, you sir, are the very opposite of a Patriot. just to throw in some of that "well i cant disagree with THIS" that you folks seem to love.
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Marcus Carab (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 1:06pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
Double post due to unknown delay, got impatient.

Yeah we were all waiting on tenterhooks.
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Anonymous Coward, 9 Dec 2011 @ 1:08pm

Re: Wait, WHAT?
Isn't 'sing' kinda ... not too specific a definition since that whole "Rebecca Black stresstests an Autotune" kerfuffle ...
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Gwiz (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 1:11pm

Re: Re: Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
Hey Blue, I see you STILL have not responded to Karl's comment where he dismantles all of your strawmen. I even made it real easy for you to find, just click on the pretty blue text that says "Karl's comment" and it will take you to it.

Are you going to respond or will you keep blathering on about no one here is intelligent enough to rebut you?
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Oops..., 9 Dec 2011 @ 1:14pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
Where'd he go?! ;)
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Anonymous Coward, 9 Dec 2011 @ 1:18pm

What is funny Mike is that you call out the RIAA ad as being full of crap, and yet you let this one slide. Mega appears to be trying to make it sound like there service is made so individuals can send files to a single friend at a time, and they entirely skirt over the issue of piracy. They make their money in the same manner that every other rogue "file host" makes their money, getting people to visit because they have tons and tons of infringing content on their service.

Kimber is a big fat fuck of a criminal, one of those people who has been more than willing to make money on the backs of others, hiding his companies all over the world and playing the whack a mole jurisdiction game. His operation is exactly the type of shit that SOPA is aimed at.
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Anonymous Coward, 9 Dec 2011 @ 1:23pm

Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
If people are uploading infringing content, why doesn't the RIAA and MPAA go after, and I know this may shock you, the people who actually uploaded the infringing content.

It's quite sad that we live in an era where personal accountability does not exist. On any level.
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Anonymous Coward, 9 Dec 2011 @ 1:27pm

Re:
What?

Half of those quotes talk about getting their hits out across the globe, or to "the kids". You'd have to be blind to think they're talking about only one person.
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hothmonster, 9 Dec 2011 @ 1:44pm

Re:
Yeah fucking rogue file hosts, what we need are more maverick file hosts.
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Some Other AC (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 1:46pm

Re: Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
Unfortunately sir, this in entirely too true. On so many levels as to be almost inconceivable!
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TheNutman69321 (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 1:50pm

Lol, video blocked on copyright grounds.
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Benjo (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 1:51pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
It seems like there is a good chance that OOTB actually is Mike. He's just giving us an alternative way of digesting his message (in this case, satire)

I think his posts do a better job of highlighting the stupid aspects of each of these arguments than Mike could ever do with quotes or logic, and to me that is impressive. /applause
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Marius, 9 Dec 2011 @ 1:57pm

Blocked...
"This video contains content from UMG, who has blocked it on copyright grounds."

In Romania... and Holland.
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Douglas, 9 Dec 2011 @ 2:03pm

Blocked in the U.S as well.
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fogbugzd (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 2:03pm

It may be interesting to see how UMG's copyright claim works out. It was my understanding that the commercial was a product of megaupload itself, but I didn't get to see it taken down. I wonder what basis UMG has for claiming the copyright other than "We don't like MegaUpload." Is this a case of copyfraud in action? If so, it would be a perfect illustration about what is wrong with SOPA and Protect-IP.
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TheNutman69321 (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 2:07pm

Video is on Megauploads front page for that that want to see it.
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Capitalist Lion Tamer (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 2:30pm

Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
NO, I encourage you all to upload YOUR stuff for anyone to grab and sell as their own.

People are downloading movies and music from Megaupload and reselling them? When the hell did that start? This sounds like a case for McGruff, the out-of-touch, suddenly-pressed-into-service IP watchdog.
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fogbugzd (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 2:46pm

>>Video is on Megauploads front page for that that want to see it.

Was the video just a series of the little talking heads snippits? If so it is hard to imagine what grounds UMG had for the takedown. What I am seeing is a series of artists that are expressing opinions that are contrary to UMG's position. That would be the very definition of protected free speech. I didn't hear music playing in the background of any of the ones I listened to, but even if there was some it would probably count as fair use.

If this is as bad as it appears then I hope MegaUploads pushes back hard.
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Anonymous Coward, 9 Dec 2011 @ 2:49pm

ummm
99% of megaupload is used for infringing content, not exactly the best site to rush to defend. Unless of course if you are mikey and think everything should be free and you have a god given right to steal anything you want.
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Techdirt Helper, 9 Dec 2011 @ 3:03pm

I have uploaded another copy from their video
In case the original poster of this article wants to replace:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xmvpu4_megaupload-mega-song_tech
http://vimeo.com/3342 6550

Either way, please boycott Youtube and don't use it as a source of your articles.
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Anonymous Coward, 9 Dec 2011 @ 3:14pm

Re: ummm
Opinion is fact, conjecture is fact, shit i make up is FACT!
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btrussell (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 3:18pm

Re: Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
"That ... is simply unacceptable."
By Robert Palmer
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btrussell (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 3:21pm

Re:
Same here.
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Anonymous Coward, 9 Dec 2011 @ 3:45pm

How to fix it all...
A law is passed that states a percentage of your income to be determined by the RIAA/MPAA and any other group that wants in is automatically �donated� to a fund that can be accessed by all the affected organizations to reimburse them for their losses due to piracy whether by down load or thought, because we all know you think about their music /videos without paying them and that�s just thievery.
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Anonymous Coward, 9 Dec 2011 @ 3:49pm

I have a bridge I'd like to sell you guys.
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Pseudonym, 9 Dec 2011 @ 3:51pm

Re: Re: Wait, WHAT?

In the PR industry, it's well known that if you pay a Kardashian their going rate, they will turn up and say whatever you want them to say. They are extremely good at this. They also have the advantage that, unlike sports people, singers etc, there's no risk that any journalists around will ask them about their latest sporting event, albums, movies or what have you.
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Digitari, 9 Dec 2011 @ 4:31pm

Re: SO proves that ALL files on Megaupload are legal?
OOTB is a fucking freetard, and ADMITS it
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20111208/12500917012/riaa-doesnt-apologize-year-long-blog-censo rship-just-stands-its-claim-that-site-broke-law.shtml

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
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Mike C. (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 4:48pm

Re:
Apparently, UMG has gone rogue and filed a DMCA takedown over the video despite Megaupload being the copyright owner. Not just once, but twice. Further proof that crap legislation like PIPA/SOPA will be abused against legal content at every opportunity.
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Anonymous Coward, 9 Dec 2011 @ 4:56pm

Re: Wait, WHAT?
I'm more concerned about the possibility of the woman she sued for looking like her sues her back. Anyone remember that? Might be interesting.
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Mike C. (profile), 9 Dec 2011 @ 4:57pm

Re: Blocked...
UMG, who does NOT own the copyright on the video in question filed a DMCA takedown.

http://torrentfreak.com/universal-censors-megaupload-song-gets-branded-a-rogue-label-11 1210/

And they want us to grant them even stronger powers to censor content online. I don't think so.
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PaulT (profile), 10 Dec 2011 @ 1:09am

Re:
So... in other words, the opinions of *these* artists is irrelevant because they contradict your preferred narrative. We should be listening to the opinions of *those* artists over there because they say what you personally want to hear and thus that must be the truth.

Got it. It must be hard for you, living in reality and having to deal with people who have genuinely different opinions. Thank god you have the internet to shield yourself from it.
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Richard (profile), 10 Dec 2011 @ 8:17am

Re: ummm
99% of megaupload is used for infringing content,
[citation needed]
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Richard (profile), 10 Dec 2011 @ 8:32am

Re: ummm
From their FAQ:

On the legal side, we are setting very clear guidelines to our users. Activity that violates our terms of service or our acceptable use policy is not tolerated, and we go to great lengths to swiftly process legitimate DMCA takedown notices. We also cooperate closely with rightsholders and their copyright enforcement agents and provide them with direct realtime takedown access, bypassing the DMCA process entirely. Because we strictly conform to all legal requirements, nobody has successfully sued us over copyright infringement, and cases brought forward against our competitors have a long history of being unsuccessful.

We operate one of the world's largest storage clusters, securely hosting billions of user files totaling over 100 petabytes, and our per-file download counters indicate that the vast majority of uploads are accessed less than 10 times during their lifetime - this hardly justifies the accusations of "mass infringement" that our users have recently come under. Of course, abuse does happen and is an inevitable fact of life in a free society, but it is curbed heavily and efficiently by our close cooperation with trusted takedown partners. It is just unfortunate that the activities of a small group of "black sheep" overshadows the millions of users that use our sites legitimately every day.
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Jeremy7600, 11 Dec 2011 @ 7:38am

Re: ummm
Except if you look at the MegaUpload top 100, its 100% shareware, demo games, movie trailers, movie featurettes, and free apps like anti-virus and open source video players.

I looked through every single file on the top 100 and all I saw was what appeared to be legit content.

Please, do your homework before spouting your nonsense.
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Me, 11 Dec 2011 @ 4:44pm

Adblock plus
There's ads on the internet?
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