When content leaks, “send a DMCA” is the usual advice. It is often right, but not always the only option. Knowing which route fits your case can make removals faster.
Three routes, three jobs
Copyright (DMCA) notices
If you made the content, you own the copyright. A copyright notice asks a site, its host or a search engine to remove a copy. It works on most leak sites, file hosts and search engines, and it is the main tool for paid content that was saved and reposted.
- Works worldwide on most hosts and search engines.
- Needs the link and proof the content is yours.
- Can be sent by an agent in your stage name.
Privacy and intimate image reports
Most big platforms and search engines have separate forms for intimate images shared without consent and for personal information like your address. These routes don’t depend on copyright, so they also help when someone else took the photo or when your personal details are posted.
The Take It Down Act
In the US, the Take It Down Act requires covered platforms to remove reported intimate images shared without consent within 48 hours of a valid request, since 19 May 2026. It also covers AI-made fakes. The FTC enforces it. Read our news story for the details.
Which one, when
- 01Your paid content on a leak siteCopyright notice to the site, then its host, plus search delisting.
- 02A fake explicit image of youThe platform’s intimate image report; on covered US platforms, a Take It Down request.
- 03Your address or legal name postedPrivacy report to the site and to Google’s personal information removal form.
- 04Not sure?Start with copyright for anything you created. It covers the most sites.
