Netflix taking legal action to uncover source of anime leaks
Autumn was supposed to be an important period for Netflix as they geared up to launch multiple new anime films and television shows, particularly anime shows like Ranma 1/2, Terminator Zero, and Dandadan. However, these plans were foiled after full episodes, and even full-length films were leaked onto piracy websites and social media prior to their official release via Netflix.
This incident marked the largest anime leak in recent history, with full-length films like Plankton: The Movie, Spellbound, and Mononoke hitting social media long before their official release on Netflix. On top of that, an entire series of Terminator Zero, along with individual episodes of various other shows were also compromised during the leak.
Now, the streaming giants have filed a subpoena with the Northern District of California, targeting the messaging app Discord. It is thought that access to Discord’s user information and data could help to reveal the identity of the leaks. That subpoena was filed in specific relation to an image from the upcoming Squid Game season two, which was posted to Discord by user @jacejohns4n.
At the time of the anime leak, Netflix released an official statement to The Wrap. “One of our post-production partners has been compromised and footage from several of our titles has unfortunately leaked online,” the platform shared, adding, “Our team is aggressively taking action to have it taken down.”
That statement seems to suggest that this was a malicious leak, as opposed to a mistake by Netflix or its partners. At the time of writing, it is unclear what specific legal action the streaming service will pursue, depending on the outcome of the subpoena in California.
Animator Kass Chapa weighed in on the Netflix leak, posting to social media, “This is our hard work. It is meant to be released on its due date, something we, as animators, really look forward to. It is incredibly disrespectful and just straight-up annoying. You think you are doing some kind of service to the community but you are not. Studios will only doubt our veracity and honesty. Which they already do, btw. I hope they sue whoever did it.”
This is not the first time legal action has been taken against individuals who have leaked TV shows or films prior to their official release. Back in 2017, four men in India were arrested after leaking an episode of Games of Thrones months before its official release on HBO.