Kim Dotcom launches 'Skype Killer' encrypted chat service MegaChat
Kim Dot Com has launched an encrypted chat service called MegaChat which he dubbed a “Skype Killer”.
The browser-based chat client now offers users encrypted communications in spite of UK prime minister David Cameron’s condemnation of encrypted services last week claiming that such apps granted extremists the security they need to carry out terror attacks.
The free service was today (Thursday 22 January) and has been launched in beta. Dot Com tweeted the news, making his intent clear, dubbing the new service a "Skype Killer".
Retweet if you like to try our new, browser-based & encrypted #MegaChat beta TODAY :-) #SkypeKiller
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) January 20, 2015
Already over 500,000 calls within just a few hours. Thank you for using #MegaChat.
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) January 22, 2015
#Mega has over 15 million registered users now. I think #MegaChat could elevate us to 100+ million users by the end of 2015. #Prediction
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) January 22, 2015
The launch of the browser plug-in follows Dotcom’s claims that “no US-based online service provider can be trusted with your data." He added that Skype regularly lets the US government listen in on its users.
This comes after the MegaUpload founder in December evaded jail after a New Zealand judge rubbished claims from the US government that he breached his bail conditions.