How to Remove Deepfakes from the Internet: Complete Takedown Guide

Removing deepfakes from the internet requires persistence, legal knowledge, and strategic action. While platforms have improved their response times, the process remains complex—especially when content spreads across multiple sites or jurisdictions.

This comprehensive guide covers every removal method available in 2024, from free DIY approaches to professional reputation management services.

Understanding Your Rights

United States: TAKE IT DOWN Act (2025)

The Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act creates a federal standard:

• Platforms must remove non-consensual intimate imagery within 48 hours
• Valid requests require: (1) identification of content, (2) confirmation you’re the subject, (3) statement it was distributed without consent
• Platforms must prevent re-uploads using hash-matching technology
• Violations subject to FTC enforcement

European Union: Digital Services Act

EU residents benefit from:

• Right to be forgotten (GDPR Article 17)
• Mandatory platform reporting mechanisms
• Heavy fines for non-compliance (up to 6% global turnover)

United Kingdom: Online Safety Bill

The UK’s approach criminalizes:

• Creating non-consensual deepfake pornography (up to 2 years imprisonment)
• Sharing such content even if not the creator
• Platforms failing to remove content promptly

Platform-by-Platform Removal Guide

Google Search (De-indexing)

Google won’t remove content from websites, but they can remove it from search results—effectively hiding it from 90% of users.

Method 1: Legal Removals Tool

1. Go to Google Legal Removals
2. Select “Create a new request”
3. Choose “Non-consensual explicit imagery”
4. Submit: URLs, screenshots, ID verification

Timeline: 2-4 days for initial response

Method 2: Outdated Content Tool

If the page was removed but still appears in search results:

1. Use the Outdated Content Removal Tool
2. Submit the URL
3. Google updates its cache within 24 hours

Social Media Platforms

Platform	Report Path	Timeline	Success Rate
Meta (FB/IG)	Report → Nudity → Non-consensual	24-48 hours	85%
X/Twitter	Report → Abuse → Intimate media	48-72 hours	70%
TikTok	Report → Nudity/sexual content	24 hours	90%
Reddit	Report → Involuntary pornography	12-24 hours	95%
LinkedIn	Report → Fake profile/image	3-5 days	60%

Adult Websites

These platforms have specific DMCA and non-consensual content procedures:

• Pornhub: Content Removal Portal (contentremoval@pornhub.com)
• xHamster: Abuse team (abuse@xhamster.com)
• XVideos: DMCA form + ID verification
• OnlyFans: Report content + subpoena for creator info

DMCA Takedown Notices

If the deepfake uses your copyrighted photos (selfies, professional photos), file a DMCA notice:

Required Elements:

1. Physical/electronic signature
2. Identification of copyrighted work
3. Identification of infringing material (URL)
4. Your contact information
5. Good faith statement
6. Accuracy statement under penalty of perjury

Where to Send:

• Website’s registered DMCA agent (search copyright.gov directory)
• Hosting provider (find via whois lookup)
• CDN providers (Cloudflare, etc.)

When Content Spreads: Advanced Takedown Strategies

Reverse Image Search Monitoring

Use these tools to find all instances:

• Google Images: Reverse search the deepfake
• TinEye: Tracks image spread over time
• Yandex: Often finds matches Google misses

Hash Matching (PhotoDNA)

Major platforms use Microsoft’s PhotoDNA to prevent re-uploads:

• Submit your images to NCMEC’s CyberTipline
• Platforms hash the image and block matching uploads
• Effective prevention, not just removal

Professional Removal Services

When DIY isn’t enough, hire professionals:

Reputation Management Firms ($500-$5,000)

• Webcide, Reputation Defender, BrandYourself
• Handle bulk takedowns across hundreds of sites
• SEO suppression (push negative results off page 1)
• Ongoing monitoring

Legal Services ($2,000-$10,000+)

• Law firms specializing in internet privacy (e.g., K&L Gates, DLA Piper)
• Court orders for content removal
• John Doe subpoenas to identify anonymous uploaders
• Cease and desist letters

Documentation for Law Enforcement

If pursuing criminal charges, preserve evidence properly:

• Don’t edit screenshots
• Save original files with metadata
• Record URLs with timestamps
• Get our Human Review forensic report (£149) for court admissibility

Preventing Re-uploads

Removal isn’t permanent without prevention:

• Set up Google Alerts for your name + “deepfake”
• Monthly reverse image searches
• Subscribe to monitoring services (BrandYourself, Mention)
• Watermark future personal photos