What is a DMCA takedown request?

A DMCA takedown is a formal request under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act asking a platform to remove content that infringes your copyright. If you took a photo yourself, you own the copyright and can request its removal when posted without permission.

Can you guarantee my photos will be removed?

No. We file properly formatted DMCA takedown requests on your behalf, but Facebook reviews each request and makes the final decision on removal based on their policies and the merits of your claim.

How long does the DMCA process take?

We file your DMCA request promptly after receiving your case. Standard processing takes 5-7 days, Priority processing takes 48-72 hours.

What do I need to file a DMCA request?

You need to own the copyright to the photos (meaning you took them yourself), screenshots showing where your photos appear, and your contact information for the formal request.

No, we are a DMCA filing service, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice. We help prepare and file DMCA takedown requests. For legal advice, consult with a licensed attorney.

Your Rights if Someone Posts Your Photo Without Permission

The Copyright Question

The first question to ask: who took the photo? Copyright belongs to the person who pressed the shutter button, not the person in the photo.

If you took the photo (selfie, self-timer, etc.) — you own the copyright
If someone else took it — they own the copyright, even if you're the subject
If a professional photographer took it — check your contract, but they often retain copyright

When You Own the Copyright

If you took the photo yourself, you have the strongest position. You can file a DMCA takedown request to have the content removed. This is a formal notice under federal copyright law that tells the platform your copyrighted work is being used without authorization.

The platform (Facebook, in the case of AWDTSG groups) reviews the request and decides whether to remove the content based on their policies and DMCA requirements.

When You Don't Own the Copyright

If someone else took the photo, you don't have copyright standing. Your options are:

Ask the photographer to file a DMCA request on your behalf
Report through Facebook for harassment or privacy violations
Consult an attorney about other legal options (privacy torts, defamation if false statements are included)

Beyond Copyright: Other Legal Considerations

Copyright isn't the only legal avenue. Depending on what's posted, you may have other claims. However, these typically require working with an attorney:

Defamation — if false statements of fact accompany the photo
Privacy torts — invasion of privacy, public disclosure of private facts
Harassment — if the posting is part of a pattern of harassment

We are a DMCA filing service, not a law firm. For these other legal options, you should consult with a licensed attorney.

What DMCA Can and Can't Do

DMCA can help with:

Removing photos you took yourself
Removing screenshots you created
Any content where you own the copyright

DMCA doesn't help with:

Photos someone else took of you
Text-only posts about you
Screenshots of your profile taken by others

Taking Action

If your copyrighted photos are being shared without permission:

Document the violation (screenshots with URLs and timestamps)
Confirm you own the copyright (you took the photo)
File a DMCA takedown request
Wait for the platform to review and respond