Provided are a tape erase element, tape erase device, and method for forming a tape erase element to erase content of a tape medium. The tape erase element comprises a housing forming a gap extending along a length of an outer surface of the housing. The gap extends from the outer surface of the housing to open into an inner space formed within the housing. A magnet is positioned within the inner space of the housing and having a surface extending across the gap. The magnet produces a magnetic flux that extends through a tape contact zone extending across a portion of the outer surface of the housing and the gap to erase content on the tape medium as the tape guide rollers guide the tape medium across the housing through the tape contact zone.