Ex.ua filesharing website shut down by Ukrainian authorities

Filesharing website Ex.ua has been shut down by the Ukranian authorities for alleged violation of copyright laws.

The service was taken offline following complaints from Microsoft, Adobe and other companies, according to Interior Ministry spokesman Volodymyr Polishchuk.

Ex.ua servers have been confiscated by the Ukranian government and law enforcement agents are questioning 16 of its employees.

The filesharing website was named as one of the world's worst internet piracy sites by the Recording Industry Association of America. Millions of Ukranians have distributed music, movies and software via the site since its inception in 2009.

Following the news that Ex.ua was shut down, the Interior Ministry's homepage became inoperable due to what was thought to be a retaliation by hackers, reports The AP.

The removal of Ex.ua from the web is the latest incident in a spate of global anti-piracy efforts. US authorities shut down online storage locker Megaupload earlier this month, sparking heated debate on the matter.

Ex.ua is yet to comment on the demise of the service.

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