How to Remove Deepfakes and Non-Consensual Images Online: Your Rights Under the TAKE IT DOWN Act

Short answer: If intimate images or AI-generated deepfakes of you are posted without consent, you have a federal right to demand removal. Under the TAKE IT DOWN Act, covered online platforms must remove the content, and known identical copies, within 48 hours of a valid request. The FTC began enforcing that requirement on May 19, 2026. Report the content to each platform, use hashing tools to block re-uploads, ask Google to remove the search results and file an FTC complaint if a platform doesn't act.

Finding manipulated or private images of yourself online is frightening. The good news: in 2026 the law is on your side, and the removal tools are better than ever.

Key takeaways

• The TAKE IT DOWN Act covers both real intimate images and AI-generated "digital forgeries" shared without consent.
• Covered platforms must provide a removal process and act within 48 hours of a valid request.
• You can report non-compliant platforms to the FTC at TakeItDown.ftc.gov.
• Google separately removes non-consensual explicit imagery and involuntary fake pornography from search results.
• Hash-matching services help stop the same image from being re-uploaded to participating platforms.

Step 1: Preserve evidence (safely)

Before reporting, record the URLs, usernames, dates and platform names. Take screenshots of the page that show context, not just the image. Store them securely. You may need them for platform reports, the FTC or law enforcement.

Step 2: Submit a removal request to each platform

Look for the platform's non-consensual intimate imagery or TAKE IT DOWN reporting form. A valid request generally includes:

• Your signature (physical or electronic)
• Identification of the content and where it's located
• A brief statement that you're the person depicted and didn't consent to publication
• Your contact information

Keep confirmation numbers and note the time you submitted. The 48-hour clock starts from a valid request.

Step 3: Block re-uploads with hashing tools

StopNCII.org lets adults create a digital fingerprint (hash) of an image on their own device, without uploading the image itself, and share it with participating platforms so matches can be blocked. For images taken when someone was under 18, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children offers a similar tool called Take It Down.

Step 4: Remove the images from Google Search

Google offers dedicated removal requests for non-consensual explicit imagery and involuntary fake pornography. Approved requests remove the results from Search, and Google also works to filter similar explicit results for searches about you.

Step 5: Escalate if a platform ignores you

If a covered platform misses the 48-hour window or has no removal process, file a complaint at TakeItDown.ftc.gov. Knowingly publishing these images can also be a federal crime under the Act, and many states have their own laws, so consider reporting to law enforcement as well.

Step 6: Monitor for new copies

Content like this spreads to mirror sites, forums and smaller platforms. Set up ongoing monitoring of your name and image with reverse image search, and act quickly on new copies.

Getting help with deepfake and image removal

You don't have to handle this alone. Defamation Defenders submits removal requests across platforms and search engines on your behalf, tracks every deadline and monitors for re-uploads. We handle these cases with discretion and work with partner attorneys when legal action is needed. Learn more about deepfake removal, image removal and leaked content removal.

Related resources from Defamation Defenders

• What to do if someone posts your nudes
• Revenge pornography defense
• How to stand strong against online blackmail
• Removing leaked Patreon content
• DMCA takedown guide
• On Medium: How to remove images from Google Search

Frequently asked questions

Does the TAKE IT DOWN Act cover AI-generated images?

Yes. It covers "digital forgeries," meaning realistic AI-generated or manipulated intimate images, as well as authentic images shared without consent.

Which platforms must comply?

"Covered platforms" that host user-generated content, which include major social media, video and image-sharing services. The FTC sent compliance reminders to companies including Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, Reddit, Snapchat, TikTok and X.

What if the image is on a website outside the U.S.?

Removal is harder, but Google deindexing still removes it from search results, which is where most people would find it.

What about deepfakes that aren't sexual?

Non-intimate deepfakes, like fake videos or impersonation, aren't covered by the TAKE IT DOWN Act. They can often be removed under platform impersonation, manipulated-media or defamation policies.

About Defamation Defenders: Defamation Defenders is an online reputation management company led by CEO Joe Chierotti. It removes deepfakes, non-consensual images, negative content, mugshots, court records and personal data from the internet, and it has served 4,000+ clients. Get a confidential consultation or call 1‑800‑785‑1749.

This article is for general information and is not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement.