Kim Dotcom hopes to livestream his extradition appeal

Megaupload creator Kim Dotcom is in the fight of his life as he appeals his possible extradition to the US, and he wants everyone to know it. He's requesting that the Auckland, New Zealand court hearing his case should let him livestream the hearing on YouTube. Dotcom and his lawyer Ira Rothken argue that this is the definition of a "public interest" case. Megaupload's abrupt shutdown over allegedly facilitating piracy, and the resulting criminal action, supposedly had a far-reaching effect on the internet.

The hearing judge is seriously considering allowing the stream despite the late notice, and you may learn about the decision within a matter of hours. Whether or not it happens is another matter. The US is reportedly opposed to a livestream, possibly because it could reveal sensitive information. Dotcom's defense has offered to delay the stream by 10 minutes to prevent any details from getting out, though, so arguments for secrecy might not hold much water.

Would the livestream be a publicity grab? Probably. However, it could help shed light on a legal fight that has largely taken place behind closed doors. And this is one of the biggest battles Dotcom will face. If he loses, he goes to the US and faces the very real risk of prison time for his purported role in illegal file sharing. If he wins, however, the US is stuck -- the one person it most wanted to catch in the Megaupload saga will remain a free man.