Funko's AI Tool Sparks Controversy with Itch.io Takedown
Indie game marketplace itch.io was temporarily taken offline after collectible maker Funko and its AI brand protection tool, Brand Shield, filed a phishing report with the domain registrar, iwantmyname. The report was related to a fan page for the Funko Fusion video game, which led to the domain being disabled despite itch.io's compliance in removing the page. The issue was exacerbated by an automated system at the registrar, which did not acknowledge the resolution. Itch.io co-founder Leaf Corcoran criticized the actions as malicious, and the site has since been restored.