Megaupload and Mega founder Kim Dotcom is wanted in the US for copyright infringement and now he appears prepped to turn the tables. The file sharing mogul revealed on Thursday that he may potentially sue Twitter, Facebook, Google, and other companies for implementing a security standard he patented.
While US authorities are currently seeking extradition against Kim Dotcom for the world’s largest copyright case, he claims he invented “two-factor authentication,” a process that has now been adopted by various websites as a new form of security.
Kim Dotcom announced his potential plans just one day after Twitter two-factor authentication by way of SMS text messaging became a public reality.
became the latest major player to introduce the measure on Wednesday following a series of cyber-attacks which saw hackers take over the accounts of high-profile targets such as media organizations and send out fake tweets.
In a tweet Kim Dotcom writes:
Twitter introduces Two-Step-Authentication. Using my invention. But they won’t even verify my Twitter account?!mashable.com/2013/05/22/twi…
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) May 22, 2013
Following that tweet Kim Dotcom writes:
Google, Facebook, Twitter, Citibank, etc. offer Two-Step-Authentication.Massive IP infringement by U.S. companies. My innovation. My patent
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) May 22, 2013
“Google, Facebook, Twitter, Citibank, etc. offer Two-Step-Authentication. Massive IP (intellectual property) infringement by U.S. companies. My innovation. My patent,” he added. Kim Dotcom furthers his own self congratulatory tone by writing:
I never sued them. I believe in sharing knowledge ideas for the good of society. But I might sue them now cause of what the U.S. did to me
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) May 22, 2013
Following what appears to be not so veiled attempts Kim Dotcom then asks for help from the very company’s he attacked:
Google, Facebook, Twitter, I ask you for help. We are all in the same DMCA boat. Use my patent for free. But please help funding my defense.
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) May 22, 2013
Still claiming his innocence Kim Dotcom states:
All of our assets are still frozen without trial. Defending our case will cost USD 50M+. I want to fight to the end because we are innocent.
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) May 22, 2013
Kim Dotcom is free on bail but faces charges in excess of $175 million in the United States.
Do you think suing over copyright infringement would be hypocritical on Kim Dotcom’s part?
Suing over copyright infringement is very hypocritical on Kim Dotcom’s part. King of copyright infringement!
If he actually sued, yeah. I find it a bit unappealing that he's essentially attempting thinly veiled extortion to get money out of them for his defense. Ugh.