After the feds shut down Megaupload users have probably been wondering exactly what is going to happen to all of the data they have stored on the service. It's starting to sound like all of the data will actually be deleted, potentially beginning later this week.
The news of the fate of Megaupload user data comes from The Associated Press. It was reported that a letter was filed in the case by U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, which explained that third party data storage companies used by Megaupload may begin deleting user data as early as this Thursday.
That letter also clarified that while feds copied some data from Megaupload servers, they did not physically take the servers. Now that the feds have executed all of their search warrants, they apparently do not have any right to access the Megaupload user data.
Two companies actually control the servers in which Megaupload user data is stored, Carpathia Hosting Inc. and Cogent Communications Group Inc. Those companies are the ones who will decide whether to delete the data or keep it.
The Associated Press also talked with Megaupload attorney Ira Rothken who explained that they are fighting to keep the user data from being deleted. "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," Rothken said.
Do you have any user data on those servers that you don't want to see deleted? Should data be deleted before the case against Megaupload is even complete? Let us know what you think in the comments.
