Anime Streaming Website Aniwatch Makes US Government’s Piracy Watchlist for 2023
Aniwatch, a popular anime streaming website previously known as zoro.to, has been featured on the United States government’s piracy watchlist for 2023. The website, along with other notorious piracy platforms, is suspected to be based in Vietnam and is using reverse proxy services to hide its servers’ location.
Aniwatch: The Popular Anime Streaming Website on US Government’s Piracy Watchlist
Aniwatch, a well-known anime streaming website previously known as zoro.to, has recently caught the attention of the United States government. It has been featured on the piracy watchlist for 2023, compiled by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
( Credit to: Cbr )
The USTR’s annual ‘Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy’ highlights online and physical markets engaged in substantial copyright piracy. Aniwatch, along with 38 other websites notorious for online piracy, made it onto this list. The inclusion of Aniwatch on the watchlist has surprised anime fans around the world.
( Credit to: Cbr )
Aniwatch’s Suspected Operators and Tactics to Evade Detection
The USTR suspects that Aniwatch’s operators are based in Vietnam and are using reverse proxy services to hide the location of their servers. This tactic makes it challenging for authorities to pinpoint and take down the website.
( Credit to: Cbr )
Aniwatch has gained significant popularity in the past six months, not just for anime streaming, but across various mediums. Its rise in popularity has further emphasized the need to not only focus on website takedowns but also on identifying and holding the owners and operators accountable.
The Impact of Anime Piracy on the Industry
The exact extent of the anime industry’s annual losses due to piracy is difficult to determine. However, reports suggest that online piracy in Japanese entertainment, including manga, anime, and games, amounted to a staggering $15 billion in 2021.
This number increases when considering similar media such as Korean manhwa, which Kakao Corporation, one of its leading publishers, has actively combated. In fact, Kakao Corporation’s efforts led to the forced end of Tachiyomi’s development last month, after identifying the world’s largest manga piracy website operators.
Addressing Online Piracy and Consumer Concerns
The issue of online piracy remains a contentious topic among anime, manga, and other media consumers. While piracy undoubtedly impacts creators’ income, there is a growing sentiment that improving accessibility and desirability of legal alternatives could help combat the problem.
Distributors have made attempts to address this issue by offering simulpubs, and companies like Shueisha have pledged to give greater consideration to international opinions in the future. Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, and Retrocrush are continuously compared to determine the best value for legal streaming services, catering to the different preferences and interests of anime fans.
Collaboration and Prioritization for a Sustainable Anime Industry
As the battle against online piracy continues, it is crucial for both authorities and industry players to collaborate in taking down these notorious websites and holding their operators accountable. Efforts to enhance legal alternatives and address the concerns of fans should also be prioritized to discourage piracy and support the growth and sustainability of the anime industry.
By working together, stakeholders can create an environment where piracy is less enticing, and fans can enjoy their favorite anime through legal means, ensuring that creators receive the support they deserve.