I reported an intimate photo or sexual deepfake of me, but it is still online. When does the 48-hour rule apply?

Keep URLs, usernames, notice text, dates with time zones, receipt emails and reference numbers safely. Do not download, repost or forward intimate material as evidence, especially imagery involving anyone under 18. An authorized trusted person can help without circulating the image.

1. Find the platform’s published process for nonconsensual intimate-image removal, including its TAKE IT DOWN Act notice where available. The identifiable person depicted or an authorized person acting for them may request removal. FTC guidance says protection does not depend on having a platform account. Save the process link and your earlier receipt. If the procedure is missing or broken, note the page, date and error without copying the imagery; you can report that failure to the FTC without waiting for a successful submission.
2. Send or complete a written notice through that process. Include a physical or electronic signature from the depicted person or authorized representative; identification of the depiction and enough information to locate it; a brief good-faith statement that publication was without consent, including relevant supporting facts; and sufficient contact information. Adapt this example only to true facts: “I am the person depicted [or authorized to act for them]. Please remove the intimate depiction at [URL and location details]. I believe in good faith it was published without my consent [or that person’s consent], because [relevant facts]. Contact: [safe contact]. Signature: [physical or electronic signature].” Use the official route, not an invented address. Save the notice and receipt; a new complete notice does not prove an earlier incomplete report started the clock.
3. Count 48 hours from the platform’s receipt of a valid request, not discovery or staff review. Keep its response and note whether the reported URL remains available. You need not hunt down every duplicate: the platform must make reasonable efforts to identify and remove known identical copies. If it fails to remove the reported depiction in time, or has no working process, report the platform at https://takeitdown.ftc.gov. Prepare its name, URLs, notice, receipt, dates and response or error; follow the live form without circulating intimate material. This is separate from NCMEC’s Take It Down hashing service. For immediate danger or threats, use the separate safety guidance and appropriate local help now.