If your content has been stolen from the original platform and shared elsewhere, you can request for this to be removed and there are a few different ways you can go about it. It is not always an easy process and unfortunately, it may not be possible for the content to be removed.
Step 1: Find out who owns the copyright for the images
If you own the copyright to your images you may find it easier to have these removed as you can access DMCA claim or takedown forms. DMCA stands for the ‘Digital Millennium Copyright Act’ (which is actually a US law). This act essentially protects copyrighted online digital media and content.
If you’re unsure of whether you own the copyright of your content, you can check the terms and conditions you signed from where your original content was uploaded. If you do not own the copyright to the content, it will be those who own the copyright who can request their removal via these channels.
Step 2: Contact the platform where your content was stolen from
If it’s possible, try and get in touch with the platform where your content was originally taken from. Some platforms and sites have in-house support teams who can help you to remove content taken from their platform. To find whether the platform has this, check the privacy policy or get in touch with support. When contacting the platform, try to keep your messages clear and detailed. They will want to know where the content was taken from, where it’s been shared to and details of the user who you think may have shared this.
Step 3: Report to the website where the content has been shared to
If the platform cannot help you, you can next try to report to the website where the content has been shared to. This is where you may be able to use the DMCA takedown forms. Most websites will have a route to report content for removal. Look for a heading at the top called 'support' or in the footer called ‘DMCA’, ‘content removal’ or ‘contact us’; they should give an email address or have a contact form.
Top tips for reporting:
• Sometimes, sites ask you to provide a copy of your passport or driving licence, or a photograph of yourself holding this ID. We strongly advise you to be careful about who you are providing this information to.
• Use a burner email address, not your personal or work account.
• Use private browsing mode on your device when making reports (E.g. Incognito)
• Provide a direct URL link to the exact page where the images have been shared. If there are multiple images on the page of other people, also provide a direct image address link to the image you wish to report. Find help with copying URL links here.
Be clear, concise, and polite in your message, they don't need to know the full story. Here is an example of what you can say:
"Hi, my copyrighted content has been shared on your site without my permission. I would appreciate prompt removal of the content and notification when this has been done. Content for removal: [provide direct URL link to the page/image address]. Thank you"
Step 4: Report to the hosting provider
If the website does not reply within a reasonable amount of time (5-7 days) we would suggest re-reporting the content. Again, be polite and just forward your email asking whether you could have an update on this report. If you still don’t receive a response, the next step would be to find the hosting provider for the website and an alternative contact for the website. You can find more information about hosting providers and how to submit a report via RHC here.
Step 5: Complete Google 'Personal Information Removal Request Form' to remove from search results
If the content which has been shared online includes personal information about you, this could be your full name, phone number or address, you can complete Google’s 'Personal Information Removal Request Form'. This doesn’t remove the content completely but it will remove the website page from appearing in Google searches for your name.
Please note: to complete this form, you will need to provide your personal details to the Google Safety Team processing the reports.