● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 negative
GitHub declines DMCA takedown for Photopea code, citing no 17 U.S. Code § 1201 violation
Key points
- Photopea developer reported cracked software copies on GitHub.
- AI models are used to remove ads from Photopea's JavaScript code.
- GitHub declined the DMCA takedown notice after one month.
- GitHub stated no violation of 17 U.S. Code § 1201 was confirmed.
GitHub Refuses Takedown Request
The developer of Photopea, a web-based photo editor, reported that GitHub declined a DMCA takedown notice filed on September 4, 2026. The notice concerned multiple repositories hosting cracked versions of Photopea's JavaScript code, which have had ads removed by AI models.
Impact on Photopea
The developer stated that these unauthorized copies are causing user confusion, with individuals complaining about issues in Photopea while using the cracked versions, not the official Photopea.com. This situation is negatively affecting the reputation of the legitimate Photopea service.
GitHub's Response
After a month, GitHub responded to the DMCA request, stating they were "unable to confirm a violation of 17 U.S. Code § 1201" based on the information provided. This code section relates to circumvention of technological measures protecting copyrighted works.
Developer's Dilemma
The Photopea developer expressed doubt that a human reviewed the report and is now considering legal options outside of digital platforms. The developer's goal is for Photopea.com to remain the sole source of the stable version of their program.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Primary sources
GitHub HackerNews/APIReporting from
The developer of Photopea, a web-based photo editor, reported that GitHub refused to remove repositories containing cracked copies of their software. These copies, generated by AI models to remove ads, are hosted on GitHub, leading to user confusion and reputational damage for Photopea.