How to Remove Leaked Photos or Videos From the Internet

If private photos or videos of you have been leaked, you are not alone and you are not at fault. Quick, organised action gives the best chance of limiting the spread. This guide walks through what to do, in order.

If you are reading this because it has happened to you, the first thing to know is that you did not do anything wrong, and that you are not alone. Leaks of private photos and videos are, sadly, common. The responsibility lies with the person who shared them.

The practical goal is to limit how far the content spreads and to remove as much as possible, as quickly as possible. That means acting in an order that protects you and keeps evidence safe.

Before you start

If you feel unsafe or threatened, contact local police or emergency services. If you want emotional support, speak to someone you trust or a helpline in your country. You do not have to deal with this alone.

The steps

1. Document everythingTake screenshots showing the URL, date and the account sharing the content. Save links in a document. Do this before reporting, because content disappears when removed.
2. Do not engageDo not negotiate, pay or reply to blackmail. It rarely stops the problem and can escalate it.
3. Report to each platformSocial networks, video sites and forums have reporting tools for intimate or private content. Use the category for non-consensual sharing.
4. Send DMCA notices if you own the contentIf you created the photo or video, you usually own the copyright. A DMCA notice to the website, its host and Google can force removal.
5. Ask search engines to remove the linksEven if a site stays online, you can ask Google and Bing to stop showing it in search.
6. Use hash-matching tools for intimate imagesServices such as StopNCII.org create a digital fingerprint of the image on your device, without uploading it, so participating platforms can block it. Under-18s can use Take It Down.
7. Monitor and repeatLeaks often reappear on new sites. Keep a record, check regularly and file new requests quickly.
8. Consider legal and police optionsSharing intimate images without consent is a crime or civil wrong in many countries. A lawyer or police report may be appropriate.

Why speed and order matter

Leaked content tends to move in waves. It appears on one site, is copied to others and then indexed by search engines. Each stage makes it harder to deal with. Reporting to the main platforms and search engines early prevents the content from reaching a wider audience and gives later requests more weight.

At the same time, rushing can cause mistakes. Do not delete messages or accounts before you have saved evidence. Do not reply to the person who leaked the content. Take screenshots first, then report.

The tools you can use

• Platform reporting forms for non-consensual intimate content, which are usually reviewed faster than general complaints
• DMCA notices where you took the photo or video yourself and therefore own the copyright
• Search engine forms for removing explicit or private content from results
• Hash-matching services such as StopNCII.org for adults and Take It Down for people under 18
• Police reports and legal advice where threats, blackmail or harassment are involved

Looking after yourself

Searching for your own images is distressing. Consider asking a trusted friend or a professional service to do the searching for you. Talk to someone about how you feel, whether that is a friend, a helpline or a counsellor. Taking breaks does not slow the process down, and it protects your wellbeing.

How a specialist can help

The work is time consuming and emotionally draining. A discreet specialist team can handle identifying copies, preparing notices and following up with platforms while you focus on yourself. Email us in confidence to talk it through.

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information, not legal advice. DMCA Reputation is not a law firm.