Less than two weeks after authorities shut down file-sharing site Megaupload, it looks like everything stored by users on that site’s servers could soon be erased, even the stuff that wasn’t pirated.

The Washington Post and others report that Megaupload’s megalawyers have been notified by the DOJ that its completed its scouring of the site’s servers and that some of that info has now been copied onto government servers. As such, the government no longer needs the data, the future of which now appears to be at the discretion of the two hosting companies involved.

And since Megaupload’s assets have been frozen, it can’t pay the hosting fees.

“It is our understanding that the hosting companies may begin deleting the contents of the servers beginning as early as February 2, 2012,” explains one U.S. District Attorney.

One Megalawyer tells the Post that this could mean the deletion of the personal files of at least 50 million customers, but adds, “We’re cautiously optimistic at this point that because the United States, as well as Megaupload, should have a common desire to protect consumers, that this type of agreement will get done.”

Yes, he actually said with a straight face that the U.S. government has a desire to protect consumers.

Maybe Megaupload should look into a new lawyer that doesn’t also probably believe in unicorns and ogres.

Megaupload data could be deleted starting Thursday [Washington Post]

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