Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 22 hrs ago
Japan sees sharp rise in copyright claims over BitTorrent adult videos
A Tokyo man who used BitTorrent to download adult videos received a court notice and a demand for 500,000 yen from a production company’s lawyer.
The court had approved the release of information identifying him, including his name and address.
BitTorrent lets users exchange files directly, and it can upload pieces of a file while downloading it.
That means users may share copyrighted material even if they think they are only downloading it.
Applications to Japan’s Tokyo District Court to identify users rose from 814 in 2023 to 5,320 in 2025.
A communications ministry survey found that 95.6 percent of such requests received by major internet providers in 2024 involved alleged copyright infringement tied to adult videos.
The man sought legal advice, and negotiations are underway to reduce the amount demanded.
Japan’s communications ministry has warned people against casually using file-sharing software.
Applications in Japan for court orders to identify people accused of sharing copyrighted adult videos rose sharply, reaching 5,320 in 2025.
A communications ministry survey found that 95.6 percent of disclosure requests received by major internet service providers and others in 2024 concerned alleged copyright infringement involving adult videos.
Video production companies can use IP addresses to identify suspected file sharers and seek court orders for users’ personal information.
A Tokyo man in his 40s received a demand for 500,000 yen after using BitTorrent to download adult videos.
His lawyer advised him not to panic or pay immediately, and negotiations are underway to reduce the amount sought.
- Who
- Japanese users accused of sharing copyrighted adult videos, including a Tokyo man in his 40s.
- What
- Court applications to identify suspected users and payment demands have risen sharply.
- When
- Applications rose from 814 in 2023 to 2,454 in 2024 and 5,320 in 2025.
- Where
- Japan, including Tokyo.
- Why
- Copyright holders are seeking to identify people suspected of sharing copyrighted videos through file-sharing software.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I decided I had better treat it as genuine and get proper advice
I'm glad I didn't just ignore it and instead went to someone for advice
I really wish I had never started
The Tokyo District Court received 814 applications for orders to disclose identifying information.
The number of applications rose to 2,454, and 95.6 percent of disclosure requests received by major internet service providers and others concerned alleged copyright infringement involving adult videos.
The Tokyo District Court received 5,320 applications.
A Tokyo man received a court notice approving disclosure of information identifying him.
A lawyer acting for a video production company demanded 500,000 yen from the man.
- Court applications in 2023
- 814
- Court applications in 2024
- 2,454
- Court applications in 2025
- 5,320
- Adult-video share of 2024 disclosure requests
- 95.6 percent
- Demand to the Tokyo man
- 500,000 yen ($3,200)
Sources
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