The Notorious anime streaming platform Aniwatch has earned a spot on the United States Government’s Piracy Watchlist for 2023.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released its annual “Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy” featuring Aniwatch prominently among the 38 websites deemed leaders in Online Piracy.
Aniwatch’s Background and Rebranding
The USTR notes that Aniwatch is a suspected rebrand of “zoro.to“, which faced shutdown in July, 2023. Operating from Vietnam, Aniwatch’s operators employ reverse proxy services to conceal their servers location.
The report highlights the platform’s rapid rise, becoming one of the most popular pirate streaming sites within the last six months across various mediums.
Pursuing Operators and Owners
The USTR emphasizes the importance of not only seeking website takedowns but also pursuing the owners and operators behind these piracy platforms. This strategic approach recognizes the need to address the root causes of piracy for a more effective crackdown.
Anime Piracy: A Global Debate
The contentious issue of anime piracy extends beyond Aniwatch, with the Japan Times reporting a staggering $15 billion loss in the Japanese entertainment industry due to online piracy in 2021.
Debates surrounding piracy’s impact persist, with some arguing for improved accessibility and desirability of legal alternatives.
Industry Response and Legal Alternatives
Anime and manga distributors strive to address piracy concerns through initiatives like simulpubs. Major publishers like Shueisha pledge to consider international opinions more seriously in the future.
Platforms like Crunchyroll, HIDIVE and Retrocrush offer legal alternatives, sparking discussions on the value they provide to audiences.
Navigating the Anime Piracy Landscape
As Aniwatch takes center stage in the USTR’s piracy watchlist, the report provides a comprehensive view of the evolving anime piracy landscape.
The debates surrounding piracy’s impact on the industry continue, prompting ongoing efforts to balance accessibility, desirability, and legal alternatives in the ever-changing world of anime consumption.
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