The author of the browser-based photo editor Photopea reports that GitHub has not removed repositories hosting ad-free, cracked versions of the software despite a DMCA notice submitted on September 4, 2026. Users are scraping the JavaScript code to create unauthorized clones, leading to support confusion and reputation damage when users report bugs in these unofficial forks. GitHub's current response is a standard acknowledgment of receipt, leaving the removal process unresolved after a month.
- DMCA takedown timelines on GitHub can be unpredictable and slow for complex code repositories.
- Client-side JavaScript is easily scraped, creating multiple unauthorized clones that harm brand integrity.
- Support teams waste resources troubleshooting issues in unofficial, modified versions of the software.
- Relying solely on DMCA notices may be insufficient to maintain control over open web applications.
