Anime Fans on Twitter May Face Legal Punishment For Posting Watermarked Images from Dandadan, Re:Zero Season 3 and More

The recent leak of unreleased episodes of various upcoming anime, such as Dandadan and Re;Zero Season 3 have sent the internet on a panic and a manhunt has ensued to apprehend those responsible.

However, even social media users with no direct connection to the leakers could also face trouble for doing this.

Aniplex and Toho, two major anime producers, have begun taking legal action against those responsible for leaking the anime episodes months ahead of their intended release dates this Fall 2024.

The Twitter user AsarathaHS, Co-Host of Shonen N’ Chill, has gained access to documents detailing the charges filed against the alleged anime leakers, with 12 accounts being named.

12 accounts were listed and named, and the application for the subpoena names 3 ways they were identified.

1. Unauthorized and infringing posts of images of episodes prior to the release date

2. Intentionally incorrect information in the credits to catch leakers pic.twitter.com/h8F3ZgT7Yv

— AsarathaHS (@AsarathaHS) September 7, 2024

The most important detail is that the anime producers catch the culprits because the episodes or images being leaked contained watermarks, which are barely perceptible, and incorrect credits.

and 3. Watermarks that were baked into the episode to catch sources of leaks. pic.twitter.com/gFMF8dbTgr

— AsarathaHS (@AsarathaHS) September 7, 2024

Manga Mogura has noted that because of the use of watermarks, it is likely that some of those accused of leaking are actually not responsible for the leaks themselves.

What this essentially means for many users on this platform: If you are taking image/video material from a leaker and repost it, it could lead to legal trouble for you, even if this material is posted after official release.

— Manga Mogura RE (Manga & Anime News) (@MangaMoguraRE) September 7, 2024

One of the accused, @Nakayasee, has expressed similar sentiments, in relation to allegations about Demon Slayer anime leaks.

the moment an episode begins its broadcast on national TV this is automatically made public domain. But what is even more senseless is the fact that there were hundreds and thousands of people who were also live-tweeting as i was on the episode and posting pictures

— Lizリズ (@Nakayasee) September 7, 2024

The two companies submitted a subpoena to Twitter for information on any accounts posting episode leaks because they need information on the accounts in order to take any civil action against them.

The information includes documents with their names, emails, phone numbers, payment methods, and account access information, which can be obtained via Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER).

Source: Twitter

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