Protect Yourself: How to Remove AI Deepfake Nudes Online

Your Legal Protection: The TAKE IT DOWN Act

In May 2025, President Trump signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law, giving victims of deepfake abuse powerful legal protection. This bipartisan legislation makes it a federal crime to publish non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated deepfakes.

What the law covers: Realistic, computer-generated pornographic images or videos depicting identifiable, real people without their consent. Importantly, even if you consented to an original photo being taken, you did NOT consent to it being manipulated into explicit content or published online.

What platforms must do: Online platforms — including social media sites, image hosts, and apps with user-generated content — must remove reported deepfakes within 48 hours and make reasonable efforts to find and delete identical copies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces these requirements, treating violations as deceptive practices.

Step 1: Document the Deepfake Content

Before you report anything, gather evidence. This documentation strengthens your case and helps platforms process your request quickly.

What to Capture:

• Screenshots or screen recordings showing the image/video clearly
• The complete URL where it’s hosted
• Date and time you discovered it
• Username of the person who posted it (if visible)
• Any comments or context around the post

How to Store Evidence Safely:

• Save files to an encrypted drive or secure cloud folder
• Keep multiple copies in different locations
• Don’t share evidence publicly — only with authorities and platforms

Emotional note: Viewing this content is traumatic. If you need to step away and return to documentation later, that’s okay. Your wellbeing comes first.

Step 2: Report Through Platform Systems

Every major platform now has (or must have by May 2026) a system for reporting non-consensual intimate imagery. Here’s how to find and use these reporting tools.

Where to Look:

• Find the “Report” button on the post itself (three dots or flag icon)
• Look for “Report Abuse” or “Report Content” in platform menus
• Check the platform’s Help Center for “Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery”

What to Include in Your Report:

• State clearly: “This is non-consensual intimate deepfake imagery”
• Reference the TAKE IT DOWN Act if the platform asks for legal basis
• Attach all documentation (URLs, screenshots, timestamps)
• Provide your contact information for follow-up

Platform-Specific Tips:

X (Twitter): Use “Report Tweet” → “Includes private information” → “Intimate photos or videos”

Instagram/Facebook: Tap three dots → “Report” → “Nudity or sexual activity” → “Involves me”

Reddit: Click “Report” → “Sexualization of minors” (if under 18) or “Non-consensual intimate media”

Expected timeline: Platforms must respond within 48 hours under the TAKE IT DOWN Act. If they don’t, document the delay for FTC reporting.

Step 3: Use Special Resources for Minors

If the deepfake involves anyone under 18, use the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s dedicated service immediately.

Take It Down Service (NCMEC):

• Visit takeitdown.ncmec.org
• Submit the image through their secure portal
• NCMEC creates a unique “hash” (digital fingerprint) of the content
• This hash is shared with major platforms to block re-uploads automatically
• You DON’T need to send the actual image to every platform

Why this matters: Even after removal, someone might try to upload the same content again. NCMEC’s hash system prevents this by flagging the content before it goes live.

Step 4: File Additional Legal Actions

Platform reporting is just the beginning. These additional steps increase pressure for removal and open paths to compensation.

DMCA Takedown Notice:

If the deepfake uses your original photo or likeness, file a Digital Millennium Copyright Act notice claiming copyright infringement. Many platforms have dedicated DMCA portals that often result in faster removal.

FTC Complaint:

• Visit reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Select “Internet Services, Online Shopping, or Computers”
• Describe the platform’s failure to remove content
• Include evidence of your takedown request and their non-compliance

State Laws:

Many states have their own deepfake laws with additional penalties. Research your state’s laws or consult a local attorney to explore state-level remedies.

Step 5: Get Legal and Emotional Support

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Professional support makes the process more manageable and increases your chances of success.

Legal Support:

• Consult an attorney specializing in technology law or digital rights
• They can help with formal takedown requests and civil lawsuits
• Potential legal claims: defamation, invasion of privacy, emotional distress
• Some organizations offer pro bono (free) legal help for victims

Emotional Support:

• NCMEC Helpline: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Seek therapy from someone experienced in digital abuse
• Join support groups for survivors of image-based abuse

Remember: What happened to you is not your fault. Taking action is a sign of strength, not weakness.

What to Expect After Reporting

48-hour removal: Platforms must take down content within 48 hours of a valid request under the TAKE IT DOWN Act.

Communication: Most platforms send confirmation emails when they receive and process your report.

Appeal if denied: If a platform refuses removal, document their response and report to the FTC immediately. Also consider legal action.

Monitor for re-uploads: Set up Google Alerts for your name plus keywords to catch new instances quickly.

Prevention Tips for the Future

• Limit public photos: Make social media accounts private when possible
• Watermark images: Add subtle identifying marks to photos you share
• Use reverse image search: Regularly check if your photos appear elsewhere online
• Enable privacy settings: Restrict who can download or save your images on social platforms

Your Rights Are Protected

The TAKE IT DOWN Act gives you real power to fight back against deepfake abuse. Platforms that ignore your takedown requests face federal enforcement. You can pursue legal damages from creators and distributors. And support resources exist to help you through the process.

Take action immediately when you discover deepfake content. Every hour it remains online increases the harm. Document thoroughly, report aggressively, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Your privacy, safety, and dignity are worth protecting.