Kim Dotcom Wants Money From Google, Twitter For 2-Factor Authentication

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Kim Dotcom Wants Money From Google, Twitter For 2-Factor Authentication

Posted by timothy on Thursday May 23, 2013 @02:07AM from the are-celebrities-necessary? dept.

Nyder writes "Kim Dotcom posted via Twitter, with a link to Torrentfreak, that he owns a security patent US6078908, titled 'Method for authorizing in data transmission systems.'" Techdirt points out that Dotcom isn't just asking for financial help: Instead, he's asking companies which use two-factor authentication "to help fund his defense, in exchange for not getting sued for the patent. He points out that his actual funds are still frozen by the DOJ and (more importantly) that his case actually matters a great deal to Google, Facebook and Twitter, because the eventual ruling will likely set a precedent that may impact them -- especially around the DMCA." Update: 05/23 14:23 GMT by T : Why is this relevant to Twitter? If you're not an active Twitter user, you might not realize that (after some well publicized twitter-account hijackings), the company is trying to regain some ground on security. Nerval's Lobster writes "Twitter is now offering two-factor authentication, a feature that could help prevent embarrassing security breaches. Twitter users interested in activating two-factor authentication will need to head over to their account settings page and click the checkbox beside 'Require a verification code when I sign in.'"

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Extortion maybe? by zitsky · 2013-05-23 02:14 · Score: 3, Insightful

What is the definition of extortion, Alex?
1. Re:Extortion maybe? by GodInHell · 2013-05-23 02:21 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  Offering to waive a right in return for settlement without bringing suit is not extortion.
2. Re:Extortion maybe? by Yvanhoe · 2013-05-23 02:31 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  It is, but in US it is legal.
  
  --
  The Wise adapts himself to the world. The Fool adapts the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the Fool.
3. Re:Extortion maybe? by K.+S.+Kyosuke · 2013-05-23 02:32 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  Offering to waive a right in return for settlement without bringing suit is not extortion.
  Wow, that means that the Prenda and MAFIAA guys are actually good guys!
  
  --
  Ezekiel 23:20
4. Re:Extortion maybe? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-05-23 02:40 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  Threatening others with patents are bad... Well until it's done by someone we like. Then clearly it's okay. Slashtard hypocrisy never fails to amuse.
5. Re: Extortion maybe? by NFN_NLN · 2013-05-23 04:06 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  If he has no money to fight his legal battles, he has no money to sue Google or anyone else. So I think the appropriate response should "Fuck off."
  That's how you know the system is working properly: winning isn't based on the validity of the patent... it's based on how much money you have.
  Sarcasm off.
6. Re: Extortion maybe? by tattood · 2013-05-23 05:06 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  If he has no money to fight his legal battles, he has no money to sue Google or anyone else.
  I'm sure one of the many patent troll companies would be happy to foot the bill for the legal costs in return for a large chunk of the settlement if they win.
  
  --
  WTB [sig], PST!!!
Re:Empty threat by Anonymous Coward · 2013-05-23 02:29 · Score: 2, Insightful

What does that say for 'anyone' with a legitimate patent claim but no funds to defend it?
Re:Kim-Dot-Con by Anonymous Coward · 2013-05-23 02:41 · Score: 5, Insightful

I'm surprised this was actually modded up here... The hivemind has something of a hard-on for Kim Dotcom, anyone who was even mildly critical of him during the Megaupload situation was immediately dismissed as a troll.
It's rather smugly satisfying to see him turn the tables completely and reveal himself as a patent troll now that he needs some extra cash. It's even more satisfying to know that he's ALWAYS been a money grubbing scumbag, because from what you've posted here, those same people running to his defense should have known better.
Re:How about this? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-05-23 02:55 · Score: 5, Insightful

How about we not give a free pass to a patent troll just because he used to host a popular, thinly veiled warez site?
Re:Kim-Dot-Con by Desler · 2013-05-23 03:14 · Score: 5, Insightful

Enemy of my enemy, apparently.