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Crunchyroll and Funimation, two of the world’s leading anime streaming services, are aggressively working to enforce copyright. Recently, they’ve filed more than 45 million URL takedown requests in a strong push to combat piracy.
According to some reports by Google, it’s revealed that it passed the rather unfortunate milestone of receiving over 10 billion URL takedown requests from its search results for sites accused of copyright infringement. This major initiative, revealed through transparency reports, underscores the ongoing challenge these platforms face in stopping the unauthorized online distribution of their licensed anime content.
Crunchyroll’s strict crackdown on pirate websites raises questions about how such a large organization is managing this effort behind the scenes.
Crunchyroll’s Undercover Approach to Taking Down Pirate Sites
Unfortunately, the surge in the popularity of anime around the world has also led to a significant rise in pirated content. Crunchyroll and Funimation have stepped up their efforts to enforce copyright, focusing on the pirate websites that allow unauthorized access to popular anime series likeDemon Slayer,Attack on Titan, andMy Hero Academia.
The exact number as of June 08, 2025, was 10,138,526,722. These URLs were hosted across 5,402,321 domains. Funimation and Crunchyroll content combined put it among the most sought-after content to be removed, with requests for URL takedowns numbering over 45.1 million.
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It should be noted that the company may not have made the entirety of the claims as Google’s takedown form allows anyone to pose as an organization representing a copyright owner. However, false claims also come at the cost of liability for damages, increasing the odds of complaints being filed on Crunchyroll’s behalf.
Crunchyroll & Funimation Involved in Over 45 Million Copyright URL Takedown Requestshttps://t.co/GNTJzPufXT
Though it has officially filed over eight million copyright claims, the company itself is believed to have reported only a little over 7,000 of them. Interestingly, Remove Your Media LLC (RYM) is believed to have acted frequently on Crunchyroll’s behalf in its fight against pirate websites.
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RYM ranks among the top six most active reporting companies in the world (ranking fifth), with over 680 million URLs reported. Outside of copyright takedown requests, Crunchyroll, linked to the MPA and ACE, has been highly active in pursuing legal action.
Also last month, the MPA issued subpoena requests for several major anime piracy sites, including HiAnime, the world’s biggest anime piracy streaming site. While Crunchyroll and Funimation have issued 45.1 million copyright takedown requests, Naver Webtoon recently filed a subpoena for over 170 illegal websites.
Crackdown on Piracy: Korean Webtoon Platform Shut Down 170 Illegal Sites
Naver Webtoon’s recent actions against piracy websites have shaken the entire manga-anime industry. Reportedly, the Korean Webtoon platform has filed a DMCA subpoena request for over 170 piracy websites and is currently preparing legal action against only three big piracy sites.
Naturally, within hours the news took over the entire internet, leaving fans worried about their go-to piracy sites’ future. The Webtoon Publisher Kakao also disclosed their plan to take down the largest comic piracy website in the world, starting with the letter ‘M’ by collaborating with Japanese publishers.
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The Webtoonplatform’s legal action has created a lot of commotionin the manga-anime industry. Although piracy sites promote unlawful distribution, they have also introduced several fans to the lesser-known world of Korean Webtoons. Not to forget, the Webtoon platform provides a very unpleasant experience for readers, especially with its paid services charging the user for every chapter.
Fans are left in a bittersweet state where supporting piracy sites seems to be the only viable option. Unfortunately, if Naver Webtoon’s legal efforts succeed, it could jeopardize the potential animation debut of popular manhwas likeThe Beginning After the End,The Legend of the Northern Blade, and many others.
The Beginning After the Endmanhwa can be read on Webtoons, while the anime will be available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Mehul Rolta
Articles Published :510
Mehul Rolta is a seasoned journalist with over 3 years in esports and soccer journalism. Transitioning to anime writing at Fandom Wire, Mehul shares his lifelong passion for anime about integrates professionalism. Dedicated to connecting the world of anime globally, Mehul shares thoughts and insights, communicating personal passion with professional insight.
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