Nobody warns you that one day you'll type your own name into a search bar and find your photos on a site you've never heard of, reposted by someone who never asked. It's a horrible little feeling — half violation, half helplessness. I've been there, and I want to write down what I actually learned, because when it happened to me I would've done anything for a calm, practical guide from someone who got it.
So — creator to creator — here's what has genuinely helped me. (I'm not a lawyer; this is just my experience.)
First: your work is yours, legally
The most empowering thing I learned is that the photos and videos you create are your copyright, automatically. That means when someone reposts them without permission, you have an actual legal tool: the DMCA takedown. You send a notice — to the website and to its hosting company — stating that you own the content and it's being used without authorization, and they're required to act on it. Most legit hosts remove it. I keep a simple template saved so I'm not rewriting it at 2am every time.
When the website ignores you, go to Google
Some repost and scraper sites simply don't respond. The trick I wish I'd known sooner: you don't only have to fight the website — you can also ask Google to remove the page from search results. Google has removal tools for copyrighted content, for outdated pages that no longer exist, and specifically for personal or intimate images shared without consent. A page that's been delisted from Google is basically invisible even if the original site is being stubborn. Fighting on both fronts at once is what actually works.
Hash it so it can't come back
If what's being spread is intimate or non-consensual, StopNCII.org is a free tool that creates a digital fingerprint (a “hash”) of your images, so participating platforms can automatically block them from being re-uploaded — without you ever having to send the actual image to anyone. It's proactive instead of reactive, and I really wish more people knew it exists.
Don't argue with the reposters — starve them
The instinct is to comment, report, rage. What I've found is that engaging just feeds them attention (which is the whole point for a lot of these accounts). Quietly filing takedowns, keeping records, and pointing people toward my official statement instead has done far more than any comment war ever could.
And take care of yourself while you do it
This part is admin, but it's also emotional, and it's okay to feel gross about it. Tell a friend, take breaks from searching your own name, and remember the internet's noise is not a reflection of your worth. You are allowed to protect your image and your peace at the same time.
If you're a creator going through this right now: you're not powerless, and you're not alone. Save a DMCA template, learn Google's removal tools, hash anything sensitive, and keep the pen in your own hand. 💗 #liviasloves