VTubers have exploded in popularity in recent years, gaining traction across Japan, Asia, and even Western markets. With increased attention, however, comes the rise of detractors and malicious individuals who spread defamation and rumors online, affecting both corporate-backed and independent VTubers alike.
On the 23rd, Cover, the company operating VTuber agency hololive production, updated its official website to announce that it has successfully identified an individual who engaged in infringing acts against the company and its talents, and has formally reached a settlement. The agreement includes compensation of ¥1.5 million per infringing post and penalties for any future breaches, demonstrating the VTuber industry's strengthened efforts to combat malicious defamation.
Cover stated that the individual had published defamatory content targeting specific talents on social media platforms, which not only improperly damaged the talents' social reputation but also infringed upon their personal dignity. The court recognized these posts as infringing acts, and the company successfully identified the poster through a disclosure order.
Following subsequent negotiations, the individual submitted a formal apology and agreed to:
Pay ¥1.5 million in damages for each infringing post.
Pledge to refrain from publishing any defamatory statements against Cover's talents in the future.
Pay a penalty as per the agreement if the above pledge is violated.
Both parties have formally reached a settlement based on these terms.
Cover further explained that the controversial posts baselessly accused a talent of "lying" about their legitimate absence from an event, and further spread unsubstantiated rumors regarding their private life and romantic relationships, consistently publishing insulting remarks. The company stated that these actions severely hindered its talents' activities and constituted extremely malicious infringing acts.
Finally, Cover emphasized: "To ensure our talents can focus on their activities in a safe and secure environment, we will continue to take legal action against all forms of rights infringement without leniency."
In recent years, Japanese law has shown an increasing trend towards protecting VTubers and their "inside persons" (the performers behind the avatars), aiming to curb harassment and defamation incidents. With precedents available, offensive images and texts are now considered infringements against the VTuber's performer themselves.
This also indicates that corporate-backed VTubers are increasingly equipped with more ways to address harassment and defamation from detractors.
Note: Financial figures and earnings forecasts should be confirmed through the company’s official announcements.
via： カバー株式会社