The US is seeking to extradite the German-born internet entrepreneur, and three of his colleagues, for alleged copyright infringement, racketeering and money laundering.
In 2012, New Zealand’s authorities raided Kim Dotcom’s Auckland home and shut down his site Megaupload.
Megaupload once had millions of users storing files and downloading movies and songs.
US authorities say Kim Dotcom and the other executives cost film studios and record companies more than $500 million and generated $175 million by allowing users to store and share copyright material.
In order to trigger an extradition treaty between the US and New Zealand, the prosecution must prove that a crime was committed in both countries.
The hearing, to which Kim Dotcom brought his own chair for ergonomic reasons, is expected to last weeks.
“This case is not just about me. This case is about how much control we allow US corporations and the US government to have over the Internet,” Kim Dotcom said on Twitter before proceedings began.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…
Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…
Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…
Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…
Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…
Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…
