Because of the mosaic censorship, a huge market exists for "uncensored leak" versions. Hackers or disgruntled post-production staff sometimes leak the "pre-mosaic" master tapes. In 2022, a massive leak from a major studio caused an estimated $50 million in losses. These "beta tapes" without pixels are considered the holy grail for collectors and command high prices on the dark web.
: There's a significant global interest in Japanese AV, partly due to its unique cultural approach to adult entertainment, distinct from Western productions. japanese av