Japan has revealed its success in curbing anime piracy worldwide following a new progress report on “Operation Animes” – an international collaboration with Brazilian law enforcement.
The Japanese anti-piracy organization CODA (Content Overseas Distribution Association) released its latest report on August 26, 2024, regarding the second phase of its “Operation Animes” in Brazil; the first phase saw the closure of 36 anime piracy websites. CODA has been implementing the second phase of the program since September 2023, with recent successes including three sites shutting down after criminal lawsuits were filed by Toei Animation, Toho, and Bandai Namco Filmworks. Since March 2024, there have been 13 closures due to CODA’s “knock and talk” tactics. This involves physically raiding establishments and encouraging pirates to cease operations and work with authorities. Overall, the second phase of Operation Animes has shut down 16 sites.
Japan Continues Crackdown on Illegal Anime Streaming Worldwide
According to CODA, the three-month average number of visits to those 16 sites amounted to about 21 million, or seven million per month, and more than 100 million combined. Eleven of those sites were voluntarily transferred through negotiations, with access to them (e.g. animesbr.cc) redirected to a CODA page with a simple message: “THIS SITE HAS BEEN CLOSED DUE TO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT.” While CODA says the remaining five sites have also been closed, it is still negotiating with their operators to transfer access to the sites.
This latest report also provides some updates on raids on anime piracy sites carried out by Brazilian police in April. Eleven search and seizure warrants were executed, with the Brazilian government revealing that at least two sites were blocked or suspended. That number appears to have increased following negotiations. This year has seen continued global efforts to curb piracy. This week alone, more than 10 major anime piracy sites, such as Aniwave, were shut down, with over 250 million monthly page views. Messages were displayed on four of those sites thanking fans for their support and, in a clear change, urging users to seek legal services.
Source: CODA
