When Kit Dotcom launched an all-new Mega as a replacement for the now late MegaUpload, we had hoped that the new service would be meant to safeguard the anonymity and privacy of the users. However, whereas the new Mega is big on security, encrypting all uploaded data, it does fall short of providing adequate privacy features.
For now, the service has been offered to only a limited number of users who were given an ‘early’ look. According to Torrent Freak guys, who were among those able to take a test-shot at the service, the encryption feature of the website is rather excellent.
Data security and encryption
This is how it works: whenever any user uploads a file, the encryption feature automatically encrypts that data so that only the uploader is able to read it or any other user who has received the public key from that user. This way, the encryption ensures that no third-party is able to look into the data and see what it contains.
Dotcom believes that this is a very viable method to secure data and hopes that, “Our easy to use one-click privacy feature will turn encryption into a mass product. We believe within five years half of all Internet traffic will be encrypted with solutions born from our new API.”
User privacy
However, what is rather contentious about the new Mega service is the fact that it tends to invade user’s privacy rather than granting it. The terms of use offered by the service clearly state that:
“We keep the following personal information:
– When a user signs up for particular services on our website they may need to give us the details required in our registration form and keep that information up to date;
– Communication logs, traffic data, site usage and other information related to us supplying the services (including for serving of advertising material on our site);
– Any personal information included in data uploaded to our system including but not limited to registration information.
We keep records of IP addresses used to access our services.”
Moreover, the service will also dish out any information regarding its users that the law enforcement agencies may require. There are other rather ambiguous terms that seem to hint that the privacy of the users may not be the paramount concern of the service. However, given the fact that the data hosted by the service would be encrypted, it is rather good to note that the authorities may not be able to gain legal permissions against Mega users easily.
Source: Torrent Freak
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