Someone made a deepfake of you.
You are not powerless. This page walks you through what to do, step by step. Everything here works whether the image is AI-generated or a real photo shared without your consent.
Before anything else
This is not your fault. Being targeted with a deepfake or a leaked image is something done to you, not something you caused.
You do not need to look at the content repeatedly. The steps below are designed so you handle as little as possible.
You do not need to send the image to anyone to get it removed. The main removal tools create a fingerprint of the image on your own device. The image itself never leaves your phone or computer.
Preserve evidence
Before the content gets removed or deleted, save proof that it existed. You may need it later for a platform report, a police report, or a legal filing.
- Screenshot the content, the URL, and the account or profile that posted it.
- Save timestamps. Note the date and time you first saw it.
- If there are messages or threats, screenshot those too. Do not delete the conversation.
- Do not engage with the person. Do not reply, do not threaten, do not negotiate. Silence protects you.
Store everything in a folder you can find later. A cloud drive, a note, a zip file. It does not need to be organized perfectly. It just needs to exist.
Get it removed (free)
These services are free, built for exactly this situation, and designed so the image never leaves your device.
StopNCII.org (adults 18+)
Run by the UK Revenge Porn Helpline. You select the image on your device. Your device creates a unique hash (digital fingerprint). Only the hash is sent, not the image. Participating platforms use the hash to find and remove matching content automatically.
stopncii.orgTake It Down by NCMEC (under 18)
Run by the U.S. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Works the same on-device hashing way. Covers AI-generated images. Free and anonymous. A parent or trusted adult can help.
takeitdown.ncmec.orgReport to the platform directly
Most major platforms have a dedicated reporting category for non-consensual intimate images and synthetic media. Look in the report menu for options mentioning "non-consensual," "intimate image," "deepfake," or "synthetic media." Reporting directly to the platform is often the fastest way to get content removed from that specific site.
File legal notices
If the content is hosted on a website and the platform's own reporting process has not worked, you can send a DMCA takedown notice. This is a formal request under U.S. copyright law that requires the hosting provider to remove the content.
You do not need a lawyer to send a basic DMCA notice. The notice must include: your name, the specific URLs where the content appears, a statement that you have a good-faith belief the content is infringing, and your signature (electronic is fine).
Most hosting providers publish a DMCA contact address in their terms of service or a "legal" page. If the content involves your likeness, you may also have claims under state laws covering the right of publicity or non-consensual intimate images. An attorney can help if you want to pursue those.
This section is informational and not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction.
Report to law enforcement
Non-consensual intimate images and deepfake abuse are illegal in a growing number of jurisdictions. Reporting creates a record even if immediate action is not taken.
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for sextortion, blackmail, or cross-state image abuse. ic3.gov
- Local police with a cyber crime or digital investigations unit. Bring your evidence folder from Step 1.
- NCMEC CyberTipline if a minor is involved. report.cybertip.org
Many U.S. states have specific laws criminalizing non-consensual intimate images and AI-generated deepfakes. The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative maintains a list of state laws at cybercivilrights.org/resources.
Get support
Removing the content is the practical part. The emotional impact is real and you do not have to handle it alone. These organizations are staffed by people who deal with image-based abuse every day.
- Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI) helpline and resources for image-based abuse. cybercivilrights.org
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). 24/7 hotline: 1-800-656-4673. rainn.org
- Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to 741741. crisistextline.org
- StopNCII support resources. stopncii.org/resources-and-support
If you are a student and this involves your school, a trusted teacher or counselor can help you navigate it.
How Witness can help
If you need to verify whether content is AI-generated, for a police report, a platform appeal, or your own records, you can upload it to Witness. We analyze it and discard it immediately. Nothing is stored.
A verification result showing that an image carries the fingerprints of a generative model can be a useful piece of evidence when explaining the situation to someone who needs to act.
All resources
This page is informational and not legal advice. Laws on non-consensual and synthetic intimate imagery vary by country and region. Services and their participating platforms change over time. Check each linked service for current details.