California Court Orders X to Unveil Identities of Genshin Impact Leakers

In a significant legal development, a California court has ruled that X Corp must disclose the identities of four Genshin Impact leakers, addressing Cognosphere’s request. The ruling follows a DMCA subpoena aimed at revealing specific account holders on Twitter. This case brings into focus the broader implications for online anonymity and intellectual property rights on social media platforms.

The legal battle commenced when Cognosphere obtained a DMCA subpoena in November 2023, compelling X Corp to disclose the personal information of individuals behind four Twitter accounts. These accounts had reportedly leaked Genshin Impact material, causing concern for Cognosphere. However, X Corp initially refused to comply, challenging the subpoena based on First Amendment rights.

The court's ruling was unequivocal: the disclosed information did not fall under the protection of the First Amendment as free speech. Judge Peter H. Kang ruled that Cognosphere had presented a strong case for copyright infringement, justifying the demand for the leakers' identities. This ruling underscores the court's stance that protecting intellectual property takes precedence over preserving the anonymity of individuals who engage in unlawful activities.

This case isn't an isolated incident for Cognosphere. The publisher has previously taken legal action to unmask leakers on other platforms. In 2022, Cognosphere successfully compelled Discord to reveal the identity of another Genshin Impact leaker. These actions highlight the publisher's commitment to safeguarding its intellectual property against unauthorized disclosures.

The court also addressed X Corp's legal strategy, suggesting it was overly resistant in complying with DMCA subpoenas. Judge Kang's remarks implied that X Corp’s consistent pushback against such requests could be seen as an unnecessary burden on the legal process. With this ruling, X Corp is expected to disclose the requested identities, marking a crucial victory for Cognosphere in its ongoing fight to protect its content.

In conclusion, the court's ruling in favor of Cognosphere sets a precedent for how online anonymity and intellectual property laws intersect. By ordering X Corp to reveal the identities of Genshin Impact leakers, the case reinforces the importance of safeguarding creators' rights in the digital age. For X Corp, this decision serves as a reminder of the legal obligations platforms have in addressing copyright infringement.