Those attempting to access the site are being redirected to the GitHub page with the below message. The site’s operators suggest 4anime users to look for legal alternatives. “Sorry for ending things this way. Due to certain circumstances we have to close the site. All the bookmarks will be available via login in the next week or two so don’t worry” reads the message written by 4anime staff. “However, all the videos and content is deleted and we encourage you to support the industry by viewing on legal alternatives or something.” While the message doesn’t say why 4anime and its sister site Simply.moe had to shut down without prior warning, reports from other sources suggest that it could be due to the legal pressure to crack down on pirated content. Since last year, there has an increase in legal clampdowns on websites streaming pirated content illegally. In August 2020, KissAnime.ru and KissManga.com, two of the largest sites in the anime and manga niches, were forcefully shut down as all the files were taken down by copyright owners from the online platform. A few months ago, 4anime was listed on a site-blocking app in Australia; however, it continued to stream content until recently. With 4anime shutting down, it would be interesting to see if users will opt for legal services or find some other pirated alternatives.
