Hey there! Have you ever come across a fake image or video of yourself online? Don’t worry, there are ways to have it taken down.
02 Sep 2026
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5 min. read
Dealing with deepfakes has become a shared concern across different political views, especially with the rising prevalence of realistic fabricated content. Thanks to generative AI (GenAI) tools, creating fake media impersonating someone has become quick, cheap, and easy.
While some deepfakes are created for fun, there’s a darker side to them. Cybercriminals use them for scams and extortion, while bullies use them to harm others. Children are often targeted, and some victims have even taken drastic measures due to deepfake-related issues.
This is where the TAKE IT DOWN Act in the US and similar regulations worldwide come into play, aiming to better regulate such content and protect potential deepfake victims.
Are deepfakes illegal?
Unfortunately, the legality of deepfakes varies. In the US, the TAKE IT DOWN Act targets non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) distribution, mandating online platforms to remove reported images within 48 hours. In the UK, creating NCII is a criminal offense. The EU AI Act will soon ban systems designed for NCII creation. However, laws concerning individuals vary by jurisdiction, with child-related deepfakes generally being illegal.
Outside of NCII, the legality of a deepfake depends on its purpose, especially if used for malicious activities like fraud, defamation, or harassment.
What should you do if you’re a victim of a deepfake?
If someone has created a deepfake of you that doesn’t fall under NCII, save evidence such as screenshots and URLs and avoid engaging with the poster. Follow the steps below to report the content and any associated threats.
How to report a deepfake photo/video of yourself?
Most online platforms have reporting mechanisms for deepfakes, but the process may involve selecting an appropriate category and providing detailed explanations.
- Google: Utilize Google’s tools to remove personal information and submit legal removal requests to de-index non-NCII content.
- Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X: Each platform has specific reporting processes to address deepfakes.
How to remove an AI nude image of yourself?
For NCII cases, use StopNCII.org to create a hash of the offending content for quick removal by participating platforms. Additionally, consider removing the deepfake from Google Search.
TakeItDown.NCMEC.org offers a similar service for under-18 victims.
What if a website refuses to remove your photo?
If a deepfake remains on a website post-deindexing, contact the publisher for removal. If unsuccessful, follow the steps outlined, including preserving evidence and escalating the issue to relevant authorities.
Remember, when dealing with platforms or regulators, specify why the content is problematic and be persistent in your requests.
