DMCA Takedown Just Shook GitHub and Sent a Warning to Every Developer

The one thing all content creators know is that their content is probably going to get stolen. That's why they use technology like DRM protection to try and, if not stop it, at least slow the thieves down.

However, some shifty thieves have created software that removes the protection from video. Fenix International Limited (the parent company of OnlyFans) has taken steps to get the software taken down.

A recent Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown request by Fenix International Limited has led to the removal of a GitHub repository allegedly designed to circumvent DRM protections on the platform. The move has ignited fresh debate about copyright enforcement, developer liability, and the fragility of open-source hosting in cases involving digital rights management (DRM) systems.

GitHub is a website that allows users to host their software and share the code with others.

The repository in question, known as CDRM-Project, reportedly hosted tools capable of bypassing Google’s Widevine DRM—a leading industry standard for encrypting streaming video—and converting OnlyFans’ protected video content into downloadable MP4 files. According to Fenix, the tools included code to impersonate a legitimate video player, decrypt protected content, and strip it of security mechanisms.

GitHub, in accordance with its takedown policy, first notified the project maintainers and contributors, including those running six related forks, before permanently suspending the entire codebase. Fenix’s complaint, backed by detailed documentation and contact information for the developers involved, argued that the entire repository was in clear violation of anti-circumvention provisions under the DMCA.

“The repository enabled unauthorized copying and redistribution of protected content in direct violation of U.S. copyright law,” the complaint asserted.

What makes this case unusual is Fenix’s proactive identification of repository owners and contributors, raising the possibility of civil legal action or criminal referrals. Typically, DMCA requests do not include identifying details of alleged infringers. Fenix’s response stands out for its precision and signals that content creators may be escalating their pursuit of legal remedies.

This aligns with a growing concern among platforms like OnlyFans, where creator earnings are directly tied to content exclusivity. With nearly 50% of OnlyFans creators reporting some form of content theft, companies are increasingly treating anti-piracy enforcement as a business imperative.

Widevine DRM, developed by Google and used by platforms including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and OnlyFans, is among the most commonly deployed systems for securing digital content. While robust, its near-ubiquity makes it a constant target for developers attempting to break or bypass its protections.

Under the DMCA, developing or sharing tools that circumvent DRM is a standalone violation, regardless of whether actual pirated content is distributed. The CDRM-Project’s objective of enabling DRM-free downloads puts it and any developers associated with it squarely in legal jeopardy.

The takedown also serves as a warning to GitHub users. As repositories related to DRM circumvention, stream ripping, or unauthorized access tools continue to attract attention, rightsholders are becoming more aggressive in demanding removal and seeking developer accountability.

Detecting and responding to content leaks, wheather it be Only Fan Leaks, Patreon Leaks, ManyVid Leaks, Fansly Leaks, they are all a major challenge for content creators. Piracy websites like Coomer.su have even developed tools that make it easy to steal content from platforms like OnlyFans.

Fortunately, there are legal protections available; creators whose content is stolen can take legal action against the individuals responsible. However, pursuing these cases can be expensive and time-consuming, making it an ongoing uphill battle for many OnlyFans models who constantly face the threat of piracy.