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Digital Phablet – The anime streaming platform Crunchyroll is once again drawing criticism on social media after viewers discovered that it’s partnering with an Israeli company, OOONA, to generate English subtitles using artificial intelligence.
The service has replaced Aegisub, a free, open-source subtitle editing tool, with OOONA, which is based in Tel Aviv and specializes in media localization processes.
Many fans and pro-Palestine advocates took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter), calling for a boycott of Crunchyroll amidst ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
A tweet from Anime Updates highlighted the switch, stating, “Crunchyroll is allegedly moving from ‘Aegisub’ to Israeli software ‘OOONA’ for its anime subtitles,” accompanied by a screenshot.
One social media user voiced frustration, saying, “Not only is it an Israeli company, but it’s also an AI firm. Expect AI-generated subtitles approved by Israel.”
Another supporter urged viewers to boycott the service entirely, suggesting piracy and fansubbing as alternatives, claiming, “Boycott completely. Pirate, fansub, steal everything Crunchyroll does. It’s no longer about personal taste or opinion. Just shut it down.”
Many anime enthusiasts, some of whom are also creators themselves, oppose corporations that integrate AI into their workflows, considering it a harmful shift. This controversy comes on the heels of previous criticisms, including the company’s reliance on ChatGPT for subtitles and a series of mass layoffs in August 2025.
Additionally, Crunchyroll has recently faced backlash over its English subtitles for the popular Chinese animation, Lord of the Mysteries, with audiences accusing the platform of mistranslations and inaccuracies in dialogue.
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