Kim Dotcom To Launch Encrypted Video Call Service, Safer Than Skype
Kim Dotcom is challenging Skype by planning to launch MegaChat, an encrypted video call and chat service, which will be both browser based and secure. The new Mega service is said to be coming “soon,” and will apparently be more secure than the Microsoft-owned Skype video chat service.
Based in New Zealand, German-born Dotcom achieved fame through his file-sharing service, MegaUpload, which was shutdown by the U.S. government a while back. His new Mega service is becoming popular as a file storage and sharing service, and will now offer high-speed file transfers as well as video chat through the new service.
According to Dotcom, U.S.-based services cannot offer their customers security and privacy, due to the fact they must comply with various U.S. government agencies, demanding access to user’s allegedly private data.
No US based online service provider can be trusted with your data. Skype has no choice. They must provide the US Government with backdoors.
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) December 29, 2014
He then announced the imminent arrival of his new MegaChat service.
Mega will soon release a fully encrypted and browser based video call & chat service including high-speed file transfers. Bye bye Skype ?
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) December 29, 2014
Dotcom first mentioned the expansion of Mega’s services, to include chat, video, and email services, back in February 2013.
According to the Next Web, Mega’s services will include email, chat, video, and more. Now it seems the service is coming to light, as Dotcom debuted his new video MegaChat service back in October at “The Moment of Truth” event in New Zealand. At the event, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden addressed the crowd, along with Glenn Greenwald, Dotcom himself, and others. This chat was encrypted, crystal-clear, and especially considering the participants involved in the event, totally secure.
You can watch a demo of #MegaChat at this event with Julian Assange & Edward Snowden. Encrypted & crystal clear. http://t.co/enRInWK1HX
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) December 29, 2014
The video includes a conference which, while mainly related to New Zealand politics, is interesting and worthwhile watching.
Venture Beat says it is unsure when the new MegaChat service will roll out, but if Dotcom’s promises are kept, it will definitely take on the popular Skype service. With so many people wary of the idea of constant surveillance, a secure, browser-based service of this nature will be warmly welcomed worldwide.
In other Kim Dotcom news, the Inquisitr recently reported how the Mega man saved Christmas Day when Lizard Squad attacked both PlayStation 4 and Xbox Live, by offering the hackers free storage vouchers with Mega. However, problems apparently still continued for a while despite this generous offer.
[Image: Screengrab from YouTube video]
