A wave of discussions regarding the boundaries of VTuber identities recently emerged on the Japanese social platform X. The controversy focuses on whether character immersion rules and the protection of real individuals' rights can coexist. One of the triggers for this topic was netizens' descriptions of Nijigen's anti-defamation actions.
One poster stated that Nijigen's legal team would pursue those who commit defamation, ask them for their reasons, and publish interview content with their permission. The poster used this to emphasize that there are real content creators on the other side of the screen, and virtual avatars do not mean that human dignity and rights can be ignored.
Another netizen questioned this statement. They argued that fans usually need to treat VTubers as independent characters during daily interactions, avoiding discussions about the performers or "actors behind the avatar"; however, when it comes to defamation, harm, and legal liability, the discussion shifts to "there is a real person behind it," raising the question of whether character rules and protection for real people constitute a double standard.
The current discussion is based on two posts by netizens. There has been no official response from Nijigen regarding this controversy, nor does it involve specific cases, involved VTubers, or punishment results. This debate remains a clash of community opinions surrounding character immersion and the rights of real individuals, rather than a confirmed change in company policy.