Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom has stated his intention to launch a political party in New Zealand after resigning as managing director of data storage firm Mega.
Dotcom, who has been replaced by the Singapore-based Bonnie Lam, stepped down from the cloud hosting company on August 29, according to the New Zealand Herald.
The 39-year-old plans to contest in New Zealand’s elections next year, campaigning to improve the country’s information technology infrastructure.
"WOW! I’m getting so many encouraging messages about my plans for a new political party. Thank you," he tweeted.
"The party website with information about our vision and candidates will launch with another BIG event on Jan 20, 2014. Second raid anniversary."
He also told technology website torrentfreak.com that he was excited about the party and that his nationality did not prevent him from launching a political party. He added that he was confident he could help the country become a significant Internet economy player.
"Someone needs to lead New Zealand into the future," he said. "Unfortunately the current government doesn’t know what the future looks like."
Dotcom also plans to channel his energies into fighting extradition to the United States as well as launching a music service that he has promised will give artists more control over their work.
Mega was established as a replacement for Megaupload, which was shut down in 2012 after the US Department of Justice accused it of copying and distributing copyrighted material worth over $500m (£322m).
