Recently, a lawsuit emerged after “leak accounts” posted unreleased anime episodes on social media prior to their official broadcast or online distribution by CODA (Content Overseas Distribution Association) members Aniplex and Toho. As a result, the distributors filed a disclosure request with a U.S. court in June 2024.
On August 20, the court issued an order to disclose the information about the account holders, and the procedures for their surrender were initiated on August 30.
The “leak accounts” in question posted unauthorized music videos or images of “Demon Slayer” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which were not publicly available before their official release. These posts spread widely and amassed a large number of views.
CODA assisted in gathering information and evidence on these accounts for the disclosure request. This is the first time a U.S. court has issued such an order for Japanese anime leaks.
CODA has received reports of similar harm involving other anime and is currently gathering additional information and evidence. The organization intends to take severe action against account holders based on the information obtained, in collaboration with the affected rights holders, and will pursue severe penalties for those operating leaked accounts.
Source: AA.jp
