A US court rules in favor of SEVENTEEN and orders X to disclose the abuser's information

In a landmark legal move that marks a major turning point in the protection of intellectual property and personal rights for artists worldwide, a US federal court issued a binding ruling against tech giants X (formerly Twitter) and Google. The ruling mandates the immediate disclosure of the true identity of an anonymous user who launched a systematic smear campaign against the members of the global K-pop group SEVENTEEN .

A strategic shift in HYBE policies and artist protection

This decision comes as the culmination of intensive legal efforts led by the thirteen members of the group, fully supported by their giant agency, HYBE . Historically, the Korean entertainment industry has tended to ignore abusive comments to avoid public controversy, but the rise of cyberbullying and its devastating effects on the mental health of stars has prompted the agency to adopt a "zero tolerance" policy. This move sends a clear message that the agency will not be content with local prosecutions but will pursue abusers across international borders, utilizing global laws that allow for the prosecution of cybercrimes.

Details of the ruling issued by California

The Northern District Court of California, which has jurisdiction over the headquarters of some of the world's largest technology companies, granted a "judicial discovery" request on November 25. Seventeen's legal team based their request on U.S. federal laws that allow foreign parties to request evidence from U.S. companies to support cases being pursued outside the United States. The lawyers presented compelling evidence that the targeted account was suspiciously active between March and December of last year, posting false and defamatory claims that damaged the members' reputations and caused significant moral and material harm.

The end of the digital impunity era

This ruling holds exceptional significance that extends far beyond the SEVENTEEN case; it establishes a legal principle that global social media platforms are not safe havens for cybercriminals. The decision is expected to resonate widely within legal and technological circles, confirming that digital anonymity does not equate to immunity from legal accountability, and that judicial cooperation between South Korea and the United States can penetrate walls of privacy when it comes to defamation and slander cases.

Required data and timeline

Under the court order, X and Google were given 45 days to deliver a detailed data package intended to definitively identify the user, and the list includes:

• The full name and real title registered in the company's databases.
• Accurate date of birth and account creation date.
• All email addresses and phone numbers associated with the account are for use in tracking.
• IP Logs for the last ten transactions, with the geographic location and time zone of the device used.
• Payment and credit card details (if available) are the most effective way to link the account to a real person through the banking system.

HYBE is set to use this sensitive information as key evidence in the criminal case currently before the Seoul Central District Court, in a legal process whose final results are expected by early 2026. This ruling is intended to serve as a strong deterrent to anyone who might consider exploiting cyberspace to abuse others.