Since a few versions ago (1.49+), WWW::Mechanize (Changes) decodes the content itself, so if you decoded the content manually before, that will break. I don't know which versions you had before, but if it was lower and now is higher that will explain the difference.

In reply to Re: Mechanize forcing utf8 by Corion
in thread Mechanize forcing utf8 by GaijinPunch

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