Discovering your personal content posted online without your permission can be distressing and invasive. This guide walks you through the process of requesting removal from adult websites. Be aware that response times and removal success vary widely depending on the platform.
Well-established platforms like Pornhub and Redtube typically handle legitimate takedown requests within 24-48 hours. In contrast, smaller websites or those based in jurisdictions with limited legal recourse may ignore direct requests entirely, requiring you to engage specialised removal services. Your likelihood of success hinges on several factors: the site’s removal policies, where it’s legally registered, and how seriously it takes content moderation.
Document Everything
Before beginning the removal process:
- Take screenshots of the content (only enough to identify it)
- Record the exact URLs where the content appears
- Note when you discovered the content
- Document any identifying information that connects you to the content
Content Removal Methods
Direct Website Contact
The most straightforward approach is to contact the platform directly. There are typically many points of contact on these websites, such as:
- Contact page
- About Us page
- Terms of Use Page
- Footer
- Specific Removal page
Search Engine Removal (Google/Bing/Yahoo)
Content can be delisted from search engine results without being removed from its original website. This strategy provides significant benefits: it can decrease harmful content visibility by up to 95% and offers immediate protection while you pursue permanent removal. Using deindexing together with source removal ensures both rapid results and lasting protection.
Legal Removal Frameworks
DMCA/Copyright Takedown
If you own the content (like your own images or videos), you can submit a takedown notice for copyright infringement. Most platforms follow DMCA and copyright regulations. You can file these requests directly with the hosting website or through search engines.
Revenge Porn Laws
If content is shared without your permission, legal protections exist in many jurisdictions through non-consensual pornography and revenge porn laws. You can request removal by contacting hosting platforms or search engines directly through their takedown request procedures, similar to DMCA/Copyright processes.
GDPR/Privacy Requests (For EU/UK Residents)
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the right to request the removal of personal content about yourself from search results. You can submit removal requests directly to the relevant websites and search engines, as most major platforms comply with GDPR requirements.
Escalation Options
ICO Complaints
Unfortunately, the Information Commissioner’s Office do not handle cases related to porn.
Legal Representation/Law Enforcement
When platforms don’t respond or issues grow more serious, we provide multiple options for escalation. This includes connecting you with legal professionals and preparing detailed case documentation. We can also help coordinate with law enforcement and support the process of securing court-ordered content takedowns.
Additional Protection Measures
We keep a constant watch on your digital footprint, identifying new negative content as it appears and working to have it removed whenever possible. In cases where direct removal isn’t feasible, we employ strategic reputation management techniques to suppress negative search results and minimise the impact of harmful content on your online image.