Starting from May 19, 2026, tech platforms across the U.S. are mandated to allow individuals to report nonconsensual intimate images and videos, as stipulated by the Take It Down Act. This legislation, which received bipartisan support and backing from First Lady Melania Trump, aims to protect victims of nonconsensual content sharing.
The Take It Down Act applies to a variety of online services, including social media and gaming platforms. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for ensuring platforms comply with the law, emphasizing that they need to provide straightforward methods for submitting takedown requests.
Several companies were contacted to clarify their compliance with the law and how to submit takedown requests. While many expressed support for the legislation, some were slow to provide details about their reporting procedures. A few companies only hosted takedown request forms on third-party sites, complicating the process for users seeking to report violations. Notably, some companies had yet to implement their reporting systems by the law’s enforcement date.
The FTC has indicated the importance of simplifying the reporting process. Jennifer King from Stanford University highlights that the reporting mechanism is crucial, especially for younger users who may be unaware of their rights and struggle with legal jargon.
How Takedown Requests Work
Under the Take It Down Act, submissions require essential information to validate a request, including a way for platforms to locate the content, a statement asserting the lack of consent, a signature from the person depicted or someone authorized to act on their behalf, and contact information.
Platforms have up to 48 hours to assess the validity of a takedown request. If deemed valid, they must remove the reported content along with any identical copies. Many platforms utilize the StopNCII tool, which helps identify abusive images using algorithms.
Some major companies have established dedicated forms or guides for submitting requests, while others rely on general email addresses. Experts advise users to meticulously document their submissions to prevent companies from delaying compliance.
Company-Specific Processes
- Meta: Offers detailed submission instructions via its help page for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
- Microsoft: Users can file concerns through a reporting form that identifies non-consensual images as a concern type.
- Google (YouTube included): Provides a dedicated takedown request form that allows users to report multiple links simultaneously.
- Reddit: Offers reporting from individual posts and will implement a specific reporting form by May 19.
- Snap: Allows users to report nonconsensual content via their help pages, which have been updated to comply with the new law.
- LinkedIn: Logged-in users can report nonconsensual content, with a new form available for non-users starting May 19.
- TikTok: Supports zero tolerance for NCII abuse, allowing reporting through both a form and in-app tools.
- Epic Games: Users can submit takedown requests via an updated illegal content reporting form.
As the Take It Down Act takes effect, platforms must swiftly adapt their processes to provide effective protections against nonconsensual content sharing. The response from companies will play a critical role in safeguarding individuals’ rights in the digital landscape.
For further reading on the Take It Down Act, visit the FTC Business Guidance and the official Take It Down Act article.
