Megaupload Sequel faces Gabon's suspension order setback

Efforts to Create a follow-up file-sharing service to Megaupload have been deal a blow After Gabon blocked access to its intended web address.

The West African nation said it WAS worried the Me.ga site would not host copyright infringing files.

Kim Dotcom - the tech Entrepreneur behind the scheme - said the move was a result of a "bad faith witch hunt" Being carried out by the U.S. government.

The 38-year-old faces Charges of money laundering and fraud, Which he denies.

He is currently living in New Zealand and engagede in a legal battle to Prevent historic extradition to the U.S., where he faces a Jail sentence of up to 20 years if found Guilty of earning about $ 175m (£ 109m) through illegal Means.

Defending Publishers

Mr Dotcom historic Detailed Plans to launch a Gabon-based service last week.

He said the product would be launched on 20 January, a year to the day since he Was Arrested alongside others who hadd worked at Megaupload.

He said that 'uploads to the site would be encrypted to ensur Their contents remained "Confidential", and hadd Suggested That basing the site at Gabon's. Ga domain, Rather than in the U.S., would "Avoid another takedown."

However Gabon's Communication Minister, Blaise Louembe, said he HAD ACTED to block the site BEFORE the service launched in order to "protect Intellectual Property rights."

"Gabon can not Serve as a platform for committing Acts aimed at type available Copyrights, nor became used by unscrupulous people," he said.

Back-up plan

Mr Dotcom Suggested the Decision hadd been taken as a consequence of pressure from the U.S. and the media group Vivendi.

"Do not worry. We have an alternative domain," he posted on Twitter .

In a later tweet, he ridiculed the move, Saying : "Gabon Minister used my machine to Analyze legality of the future Mega. Verdict: Cyber ​​crime! Gets $ 5 award from the FBI."

Although the Me.ga site is now offline, Mr Dotcom is still Providing information about historic Plans at an alternative site, at Which he Appeals for hosting Companies in Other Countries Who might