As the legal hunt for the GTA 6 leaker continues, Take-Two reportedly tries another more secretive Discord subpoena, this time

The fallout from the massive Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks continues, with Rockstar Games’ parent company, Take-Two, escalating its legal pursuit of those responsible. This time, they’re employing a more targeted approach, seeking information from Discord under seal, raising questions about the scope and potential impact on user privacy.

Secret Subpoena: A Shift in Strategy

According to a report by TorrentFreak, Take-Two has filed a second request for a subpoena targeting Discord. However, unlike the initial public subpoenas, this new request aims to keep the details confidential. This change suggests a more focused effort to identify specific individuals involved in disseminating the leaked GTA 6 footage.

The previous subpoenas, which targeted multiple companies including Microsoft and X, drew criticism for their broad scope. Discord itself stated that it had not yet been served and would “evaluate the validity and scope before responding” if and when it received them. The decision to keep this new subpoena sealed likely stems from a desire to avoid tipping off potential suspects and to prevent further leaks.

Targeted Approach: Focusing on Key Individuals

The new filing, submitted on August 28th, indicates a more specific focus. “Take-Two has identified one additional Discord user and obtained additional identifying information for a previously identified Discord user, as well as additional information concerning the community services identified in its prior subpoena for which it now seeks more targeted information,” the document states. This suggests that investigators have narrowed their search to key individuals involved in the leaks.

The targets of the subpoena are completely redacted, likely due to this narrower focus and potentially influenced by the public outcry surrounding the initial, broader subpoenas. Take-Two argues that keeping the details sealed is necessary to prevent leakers from being alerted and to protect sensitive information. However, if a judge denies the request to keep it sealed, the “highly sensitive, confidential information” contained within could become publicly available.

The Financial Motive: Crypto and Cash Out

It’s worth noting that the GTA 6 leaks ceased shortly before Netflix unveiled its extended gameplay showcase. Speculation suggests that the leakers may have used the stolen footage to artificially inflate the value of a custom cryptocurrency, allowing them to “cash out” with approximately $270,000 (around £200,000). This financial motive adds another layer to the ongoing investigation.

The legal battle surrounding the GTA 6 leaks is far from over. As Take-Two continues its pursuit of those responsible, questions remain about the balance between protecting intellectual property and respecting user privacy. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for how companies handle future data breaches and leaks.