After users of the app complained about the censorship of several titles, Manga Up! released a statement acknowledging the censorship of select series on the service.
The statement was released on the Manga Up! Global Twitter account and it included an explanation on why certain titles are censored, as well as info on the uncensored versions.
According to the Manga Up! Global Team’s statement, some manga with sensitive content were censored outside of Japan “in consideration of each mobile platform’s policies.”
The statement continued with the team stating that they are still in the “exploratory stages” and that they “will strive to improve while listening to [user feedback].”
As for the uncensored versions of the titles, the team said that they are available through other official streams, though these platforms weren’t mentioned in the statement.
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Reactions to the statement were mixed. One user called it a “weak response” as it did not indicate any intention of removing the censors.
The same user also said that the issue of chapters being split up and the points-based microtransaction system also wasn’t addressed.
Other reactions to the statement were equally critical of both the censors and microtransactions. But some users were at least thankful that the issue was acknowledged. Some users have also offered more constructive feedback.
Manga Up! Global is the worldwide English version of Square Enix’s Manga Up! service in Japan. The global version was launched earlier this week, and it includes a selection of manga, including My Dress-Up Darling and Fullmetal Alchemist.
Soon after it launched, readers have begun posting complaints about excessive censorship. For instance, panels in My Dress-Up Darling which show Marin Kitagawa in a bikini were covered in large black bars.
Aside from censorship complaints, some readers have also reported negative feedback regarding the service’s points-based system.
To read manga in the app, users can consume UP points which are given twice a day. But to read more manga, users will need to purchase Coins with money.
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