# Megalodon

> Citation tool for web pages

**Wikidata**: [Q11288566](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11288566)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megalodon_(website))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/megalodon-q11288566

## Summary
Megalodon is a Japanese website and web archiving tool designed to capture and preserve web pages for citation purposes. Launched in 2006 and operated by Affility Co., Ltd., it allows users to create permanent records of web content. The service is also widely recognized by its Japanese alias, "Web GYOTAKU" (Web魚拓).

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Website, Web Archive
- **Primary Function:** Citation tool for web pages and data preservation
- **Inception:** 2006
- **Operator:** Affility Co., Ltd.
- **Country of Origin:** Japan
- **Primary Language:** Japanese
- **Aliases:** Web GYOTAKU, Web魚拓, 網路魚拓
- **Website:** https://megalodon.jp/
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/120sp_1j

## FAQs
### Q: What is Megalodon used for?
A: Megalodon is used as a citation tool and web archiving service. It allows users to collect and save web content, creating a permanent snapshot of a specific URL at a specific time.

### Q: Who operates the Megalodon website?
A: The website is operated by a Japanese company named Affility Co., Ltd.

### Q: What does the name "Web GYOTAKU" mean in this context?
A: "Web GYOTAKU" (Web魚拓) is an alias for Megalodon. The term refers to the Japanese art of fish rubbing (Gyotaku), used metaphorically here to describe making a print or impression of a website.

## Why It Matters
Megalodon serves a critical role in the digital ecosystem by addressing the ephemeral nature of web content. As a "web archiving" tool, it solves the problem of "link rot" and content alteration, ensuring that information cited from the internet remains accessible and verifiable even if the original source is modified or deleted.

This service is particularly significant in the context of Japanese web history, where it functions similarly to larger international archives like the Wayback Machine but with a specific regional focus. By providing a "Citation tool for web pages," Megalodon enables researchers, journalists, and general users to preserve digital evidence. Its operation since 2006 highlights its longevity and sustained relevance in the field of digital preservation.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Web Archiving:** Distinguishes itself as a dedicated citation tool rather than just a search engine cache.
- **Cultural Naming:** Uniquely branded with the "Web GYOTAKU" (fish print) metaphor, reflecting its Japanese origin.
- **Longevity:** Has been operational since 2006, representing nearly two decades of web archiving.
- **Corporate Operation:** Unlike many volunteer-run archives, it is maintained by a specific corporate entity, Affility Co., Ltd.

## Body

### Overview and Classification
Megalodon is classified as both a website and a web archive. Its primary field of work is web archiving, defined as the process of collecting and saving web content to ensure data preservation. The platform functions as a citation tool, allowing users to capture the state of a web page for future reference.

### Operational History
The service was founded in **2006**. It is developed and maintained by **Affility Co., Ltd.**, a company based in Japan. The service has achieved a presence across multiple languages, with Wikipedia entries in English, Japanese, and Korean.

### Technical and Access Details
- **Platform:** Served from the domain megalodon.jp.
- **Language Support:** The primary language of the work and the interface is Japanese.
- **Terms of Service:** The legal terms are hosted at `https://megalodon.jp/pc/page/termofservice`.
- **Identity:** The service is tracked in the Google Knowledge Graph under the ID `/g/120sp_1j`.

### Naming Conventions
The entity holds several aliases that reflect its function and origin:
- **Web GYOTAKU** (English romanization)
- **Web魚拓** (Japanese Kanji)
- **網路魚拓** (Traditional Chinese)

## References

1. [株式会社アフィリティー > ウェブ魚拓](https://www.affility.co.jp/?page_id=16)