Z-Library, a notorious pirate eBook repository, claims that over 600,000 students and scholars worldwide use the platform to access millions of books for free. The site, which faced legal action in the United States resulting in the arrest of two alleged operators, continues to operate through the dark web despite the seizure of over 200 domain names connected to the platform by U.S. law enforcement. The recent removal of additional domains did not disrupt Z-Library's services.
The site is known for its commitment to providing free access to books, including educational materials and textbooks, making it a popular resource for students globally. The platform's user database statistics, although based on email addresses linked to educational institutions, likely underestimate the actual number of users, as individuals may use personal email addresses for registration.
China leads the world in Z-Library users, followed by India and Indonesia. Notably, the United States is excluded from the analysis due to the criminal prosecution of two alleged operators. Despite its population, Australia ranks high in Z-Library usage, surpassing countries like Brazil and Vietnam. Monash University in Australia stands out for having the most public booklists created by users.
Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, while second in creating booklists, also appears in the top 5 universities that donated to Z-Library. The data highlight the global reach and diverse user base of Z-Library, demonstrating its value as a resource for students worldwide.
Users' comments express gratitude for saving money on books, including textbooks. Despite public appreciation, Z-Library remains susceptible to legal challenges and ongoing crackdowns by U.S. authorities. However, the platform's operators seem determined to persist in providing free access to books.