The MangaDex website underwent its largest content removal campaign since the platform's creation. Over 700 manga series were removed in various languages following an unprecedented volume of DMCA takedown notices sent by publishers and copyright holders.
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The removed content includes popular titles such as Bleach, Dragon Ball, Solo Leveling, Oshi no Ko, and My Dress-Up Darling. Publishers sent requests directly to MangaDex and Google to limit the visibility of illegally hosted works.
Publishers intensify fight against scanlations
The coordinated action involved publishers from Japan, South Korea, and other regions, including Kodansha, Shogakukan, Naver, Lezhin, Suiseisha, Square Enix, and others. All alleged copyright infringement.
The removed works are licensed in several languages, especially English. However, users reported that the notifications also affected titles that are not yet licensed, which amplified the impact among the platform's audience.
The removal affected content in several languages, but administrators promised to restore bookmarks and chapter listings as soon as the technical issue is resolved. In the meantime, users will need to wait to access the full list of removed titles.
The statement attempts to clarify things for users
A moderator on the official MangaDex forum clarified that the action is not related to the platform's new policy on excessive profits by translation groups. The companies sent formal notifications, and therefore the platform removed the chapters.
He highlighted that this was the first time MangaDex had faced a removal of this magnitude. However, previously, requests were usually sporadic, typically coming directly from authors or from the Naver platform, known for its strict enforcement actions.
The platform's new rules were recently released. They prohibit groups from promoting paid content and restrict the use of external platforms with official or third-party material without authorization. The goal is to prevent abuse and maintain the site as an open, free, and sustainable space.
The repercussions continue after the closure of Reaper Scans
Shortly after Kakao Entertainment issued a cease and desist notice, Reaper Scans shut down operations, and subsequently, publishers targeted MangaDex with new lawsuits.
According to data from Similarweb, Reaper Scans had 36 million hits in the last three months. During the same period, MangaDex registered 188.5 million, with almost 69 million in April alone.
The impact of the content removal promises to be even greater than that seen with the closure of Reaper Scans. MangaDex users are expressing concern about the continued access to unlicensed titles, while publishers are reinforcing the legal protection of their works.
