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Millions of users of one of the Internet's largest file-sharing sites, Megaupload, face losing their data today (2 February) according to US officials.

They site was shut down two weeks ago and its founder Kim Dotcom arrested.

Federal prosecutors have accused it of costing copyright holders more than $500m (£320m) in lost revenue. The firm says it responded to complaints about pirated material quickly.

The site's founders have been charged with violating piracy laws.

Find out what anti-piracy legislation is in place in different countries around the world.

The United States of America
New laws are being proposed in America that would mean anyone found guilty of streaming copyrighted content without permission 10 or more times within six months could face up to five years in jail.

The US government and copyright holders would have the right to ask for court orders against any site accused of "enabling or facilitating" piracy.

US-based Internet service providers, payment processors and advertisers would be outlawed from doing business with alleged copyright infringers.

The bills would also outlaw sites from containing information about how to access blocked sites.

The United Kingdom
The Digital Economy Act 2010 was rushed through parliament at the end of the Labour administration.

It has since been changed a number of times, but its main provision remains a letter-writing campaign targeting people identified as illegal downloaders.

The letters - which would start being sent out in 2013 - would offer advice on how to stop illegal activity, but would not make demands for money or threaten disconnection.

The act has been challenged in the courts by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) including TalkTalk and BT, who argue it unfairly makes them police users' behaviour.

Read More: BBC - Newsbeat - Anti-piracy download laws around the world explained