Disqus, one of the most used commenting platforms, seems to be putting its foot down and cutting off its services from websites that host pirated content. This decision stems from copyright infringement issues tied to these sites. For those unfamiliar, Disqus is a third-party tool that lets website visitors leave comments and join discussions. Many site owners love it because it cuts down on spam and saves them the hassle of building their own comment systems.
The change is hitting several well-known piracy sites hard. FitGirl Repacks, a popular spot for pirated video games, is one of them. The site offers compressed game files for easy downloading, but now its Disqus comments are disappearing. “I’ve received an email from Disqus team, stating that due to copyright infringement violations they will stop supporting my site tomorrow,” FitGirl shared on their site. They’re racing to move over 750,000 comments to a new system, but it’s tricky. Nested replies might turn into flat threads, which could mess up past discussions.
My Reading Manga is also feeling the pinch. This site shares unauthorized manga and manhwa scans, often without creator approval. Its team posted on social media, “We have to move away from Disqus! We have to find an alternative or maybe remove the comment section altogether!” They’re weighing their options, and some worry the site might ditch comments entirely. A few other piracy-centered manga site admins have also taken to X to report the same happening to them.
People are scratching their heads over why Disqus is doing this. A Reddit user asked, “Why does Disqus care so much about the legality of contents hosted in websites that use Disqus? It’s not like they hosted the pirated contents in the comment section itself.” Fair point, but if I had to guess, Disqus might be dodging legal trouble. Even if the comments don’t hold pirated files, being linked to these sites could make the company look like it’s okay with piracy. That’s a risk they might not want to take.
This isn’t a solo act. Other companies are stepping back from shady dealings too. Visa Japan, for example, recently stopped processing payments for adult content. It’s a sign that big players are trying to stay clean and avoid lawsuits or pressure from copyright owners.
That said, Disqus might dodge a bullet here, but it leaves site owners and fans in a bind, hunting for ways to keep their communities alive.
Dwayne Cubbins
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For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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