Question 1

What is image-based sexual abuse?

Accepted Answer

Image-based sexual abuse, or IBSA, encompasses a wide range of abusive activities including the creation, manipulation, theft, extortion, threatened or actual distribution, or any use of images for sexual purposes without the meaningful consent of the person/s depicted or for purposes of sexual exploitation. It is also referred to as "non-consensual intimate imagery," or NCII.

Question 2

What is Protect Privacy AI, and who can benefit from using it?

Accepted Answer

Protect Privacy AI provides technology that scans for and helps remove and prevent image-based sexual abuse. We support three groups:

•     individuals who know or suspect that IBSA content of themselves exists on the Internet

•     platforms working to comply with new laws and keep this content off their sites

•     law enforcement agencies and attorneys pursuing accountability for survivors, backed by evidence and reports we provide.

Question 3

Is Protect Privacy AI a nonprofit?

Accepted Answer

Protect Privacy AI is a Delaware C-corp technology company. Our sister nonprofit, the Digital Identity Foundation, provides direct support to and scholarships for survivors navigating the search and takedown process. The two organizations work closely together: Protect Privacy AI builds and operates the detection and removal technology, and the Digital Identity Foundation offers specialized and compassionate human support alongside it. If you would like guidance throughout your case, you can reach the Foundation at thedigitalidentityfoundation.org/get-support.

Question 4

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

If you already have the link to the content, removal is free. No card, no trial, no expiring promotion — you send us the URL and we file the takedown request for you.

If you don't know where the content is, or you think there may be more, that takes a paid plan:

One-time search. You give us an image. We look for copies across the platforms we cover and file removal requests for whatever you choose to act on.

Ongoing monitoring. The same search, repeated weekly or monthly, so new copies are caught as they appear.

You see the exact price before you pay. Nothing is charged until you choose a plan.

Check our plans page for up-to-date cost.

Question 5

Does paying mean the content will definitely be removed?

Accepted Answer

No. And be careful of anyone who tells you otherwise.

What you're paying for is the search and the removal requests. We file with each platform, follow up, and escalate if the content is still up after 48 hours. Most platforms act. But the decision is theirs, not ours. We do all we can to pressure them to remove it, even going to their infrastructure providers such as hosts, CDNs, advertisers, and registrars.

Question 6

What are removal laws by country?

Accepted Answer

Laws vary by country, state, or province. All U.S. states now have statutes against sharing IBSA, and the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act provides a nationwide baseline. Countries  like the UK and Australia have appointed specialized safety commissioners and require platforms to comply with removals. We work to apply the most effective available legal framework to each request to maximize your protection. You can find more details in our resource center where we provide an updated list.

Question 7

Who is behind Protect Privacy AI?

Accepted Answer

Our team is the best part of what we do. We’re survivors, advocates, policy experts, technologists, and AI engineers who have spent more than 20 years fighting sexual exploitation and building policies and technology for online safety. Some of us have lived what our users are going through, and that shapes every decision we make. We developed this technology because no one should have to spend hours, months, or years, searching for their own abuse online.

Question 8

Can I cancel? Can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cancel any time. You'll be refunded for scans you paid for and haven't received. Scans that already ran aren't refundable.

Question 9

What if I'm in crisis right now?

Accepted Answer

If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. If you are struggling and need to talk to someone, reach out to The Digital Identity Foundation or the CCRI Crisis Line: 844-878-2274. Protect Privacy AI can help you address the content itself, and our sister nonprofit, The Digital Identity Foundation, offers direct services, community space, and compassionate support through the process, but please reach out to crisis support first if you need it.

Question 10

Does Protect Privacy AI help remove AI-generated or "deepfake" sexual images?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Protect Privacy AI is committed to helping individuals affected by AI-generated, forged (a.k.a., “deepfake”)  pornography whenever possible.

Increasingly, laws and platform policies do not treat this content differently from other forms of image-based sexual abuse so it is the same process for scanning, removal, and prevention. While no company can guarantee removal of such material from every website, Protect Privacy AI continuously works to identify available options for reporting, removal, and ongoing monitoring.

Question 11

What if someone is threatening to share images but hasn't yet?

Accepted Answer

We can still help. Many people come to us because they’ve been threatened with exposure (including in sextortion situations) even when nothing has been posted. You do not need to wait until content appears online. If you suspect content may exist online or is about to be shared, our technology is designed to help identify qualifying content tied to your digital identity, and with ongoing scanning can help you stay ahead of it—often providing peace of mind.

Crucially, threatening to share intimate images is illegal under federal law and in all 50 states. If you are being threatened, we strongly recommend contacting law enforcement. Law enforcement involvement can act as a significant deterrent, and they have the authority to investigate these threats. If you are in immediate danger, please reach out to local emergency services.

Question 12

Do I need to know where my content is located before beginning?

Accepted Answer

No. Many survivors have no idea where their images have been shared, and some aren't even sure whether content exists at all. Protect Privacy AI was created because no one should have to spend hours, or years, searching for their own abuse online.

If you already know where content exists, you can share those links and we will start the removal process for you. If you do not know where your content is located, Protect Privacy AI's technology is designed to assist in identifying qualifying online content with your digital identity.

Question 13

What's the difference between a targeted takedown and an identity search?

Accepted Answer

A targeted takedown can be  initiated when you already have specific links to content you want removed. An identity search can be requested when you know or suspect content exists online but don’t know where it is; we scan the web to locate it for you. You can choose either option, or use both, depending on your needs.

Question 14

What if I consented to creating the image but not to publishing it?

Accepted Answer

Many cases of image-based sexual abuse involve content that was created consensually but shared without permission.

Consent to create an intimate image is not the same as consent to distribute it.

No matter what level of consent was involved at any stage, we stand with you, and our work is focused on putting control back in your hands.

Question 15

What if I consented to share my content privately (e.g., on a subscription site) but it was leaked or shared further without my permission?

Accepted Answer

Cases involving content that was initially shared with consent but later leaked or posted without your ongoing permission can often feel like a legal gray area. At Protect Privacy AI, we believe that sexual content shared beyond the scope of your consent deserves to be addressed, and we are committed to helping you pursue its removal.

The approach we take depends on the platform:

TIDA Notices: For many platforms, we use TIDA (TAKE IT DOWN Act) notices, as most modern platforms now recognize non-consensual redistribution as grounds for removal.

DMCA Notices: In some cases, particularly with subscription-based fan sites, a DMCA copyright takedown may be a more effective tool if you hold the copyright to the content.

We can help you evaluate the specific context of your content and guide you on the most effective path to take down the material.

Question 16

What does the process look like, and how do I start?

Accepted Answer

Getting started usually looks like this: you create an account and a secure digital identity which includes a live selfie and the option to upload photos of yourself, identifying features like birthmarks, or rooms where you think you may have been filmed. You tell us what you know (any links you have, or simply that you suspect content exists), and our technology begins searching and preparing removal requests. High-confidence matches are submitted for takedown automatically; anything less certain is sent to you for a quick, blurred review to confirm it's you. You stay in control of what happens at each step.

Question 17

How long does removal take?

Accepted Answer

It varies. Some platforms respond within the 48-hour window the law requires; others take longer or require escalation. Content hosted internationally or on sites without a reporting channel can take more time. We begin working on removal as soon as we have what we need, and we’re honest with you about what is and isn’t realistic. No company can guarantee a timeline or permanent removal, but we pursue available options and continue working on your case.

Question 18

What's the difference between a DMCA takedown and an NCII/IBSA report?

Accepted Answer

A DMCA notice is a copyright tool; it asserts that you did not authorize the use of the content which you own. (Ownership of the copyright can be established by contract and/or as the creator of the content and/or being awarded the copyright by a judge). While often fast, a copyright removal request requires your real name and notices may become publicly available over databases that track these types of requests. An NCII/IBSA report is designed specifically for sexual images shared or created without your consent, including those created without your consent and AI-generated fakes. These routes help to protect your anonymity, and many platforms are now legally required to act on them within 48 hours.

In short:

Use DMCA only if you own the image and are comfortable with public exposure.

Use NCII/IBSA reports for non-consensual content; it is safer, protects your identity, and is increasingly just as fast.

You can use both routes simultaneously. If you are unsure which applies to your case, we can help you choose.

Question 19

Can someone create a case on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

Not at this time. Because the content involved is deeply personal, we require that the person whose content is at issue initiates and consents to their own case. This protects against two risks: someone using the platform to coerce or further abuse another person, and content being submitted or removed without the affected person’s knowledge or consent. That verification is also part of what allows platforms to trust our removal requests. You’re welcome to invite a trusted person to help you navigate the process. If you’d like additional support, our sister nonprofit, Digital Identity Foundation, offers guidance through the process. You can reach them at thedigitalidentityfoundation.org/get-support.

Question 20

Can a parent or guardian create a case for a minor?

Accepted Answer

No. Protect Privacy AI does not provide services for minors.

Cases involving minors must be handled through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), which is the legally authorized organization for addressing these situations.

If you believe a minor is being exploited or has had images of a sexual nature shared without consent, you should report the situation directly to NCMEC at CyberTipline.org or at takeitdown.ncmec.org.

Question 21

I was a minor or depicted as a minor in the content, even though I’m an adult now. Can you help me?

Accepted Answer

No, Protect Privacy AI cannot currently assist with cases involving content where the individual depicted was a minor when the material was created, regardless of your current age or if the individual is depicted as a minor using AI. Sexually explicit content depicting minors is classified as CSAM (child sexual abuse material) and is considered contraband in the U.S. For cases involving minors, please use the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) 'Take It Down' tool (takeitdown.ncmec.org). You may also reach out to the National Center for Victims of Internet and Cyber Exploitation (NCVIC), which assists with takedowns for minors. Our services are currently limited to content featuring adults.

Question 22

Can Protect Privacy AI suspend or decline a case?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In limited situations, Protect Privacy AI may decline, suspend, or discontinue services. Examples may include situations involving fraudulent requests, inability to verify identity, requests outside the scope of the service, legal restrictions, safety concerns, or violations of the company's Terms of Service.

If Protect Privacy AI is unable to proceed with a case, the person seeking our services will be informed whenever appropriate and, when possible, provided with information regarding alternative resources or next steps.

Question 23

How does Protect Privacy AI search for my content?

Accepted Answer

You create a digital identity, which our multimodal technology uses to crawl the open web for matches. High-confidence matches can be automatically submitted for takedown. Matches we're less certain about are sent to you for a quick review to confirm it's really you before we submit those for takedown as well. This detection also extends to content that's been cropped, edited, or otherwise modified, not just exact duplicates.

Question 24

Why do you collect reference photos and identifying details?

Accepted Answer

Materials like photos and other identifying details help our searches be as accurate and effective as possible. However, providing this information is entirely optional. By providing reference photos, defining features (such as tattoos or birthmarks), or even images of rooms where content may have been created, you help our technology build a precise profile of what to look for. This helps improve match accuracy, helping us find your content even when it has been cropped, edited, or manipulated while reducing the likelihood of misidentifying other people’s images as your own. Just like the rest of your digital identity, this data is encrypted and can be deleted at any time.

Question 25

Why should I provide keywords or search terms for my scan?

Accepted Answer

Keywords help us focus our search, making your scan significantly more effective. By providing unique identifiers such as your current or former usernames, stage names, or specific phrases and hashtags often found in the captions or tags of your content, you help our technology pinpoint where and how your material is appearing. Including these terms allows us to target relevant areas of the web more efficiently.

Question 26

What happens after the scan finishes?

Accepted Answer

Once a scan completes, potential matches appear in your dashboard. You can set matches that meet a high confidence threshold to be submitted for removal automatically. For content that falls below that threshold, you will need to review it yourself. To protect your privacy, we blur the sensitive content so that only you see your face to confirm if it’s you.

Question 27

How do I copy a link to content?

Accepted Answer

It varies by platform, but you can typically click the 'Share' icon or '...' menu and select 'Copy Link.' If you are using a browser, you can copy the URL directly from the address bar. Please ensure you provide the direct link to the specific post or image. Links to an entire profile, an account page, or a discover/feed page make it very difficult for us to isolate and remove the specific content. A direct link ensures we can act quickly and the platform can more readily remove it.

Question 28

What happens after I submit?

Accepted Answer

We promptly prepare and send legal notices. You can track the current status of every request through your dashboard.

Question 29

What does "acting as your representative" mean?

Accepted Answer

This authorizes us to contact platforms and sign takedown notices on your behalf, so you don't have to communicate with site administrators directly. This is a critical privacy measure, as many sites intentionally host IBSA to expose sensitive personal details like your name or contact information. By acting as your representative, we shield your identity so you don't have to engage with the site, reducing the risk of further harassment.

Question 30

What does each protection status mean?

Accepted Answer

Statuses help you track progress in your dashboard:

Scanning: Our system is actively searching the web for your content.

Match Found: We've identified potential content that needs your review.

Request Sent: A removal request has been submitted to the platform.

Escalated: We have escalated the request to a governing body or the site's infrastructure/hosting provider for further action.

Removed: The content has been removed from that specific URL. Please note that if the same content is hosted elsewhere, we can help you find and address those links as well; let us know if you suspect it is still appearing on other sites.

Question 31

Can the technology identify altered, cropped, filtered, or resized copies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our technology is designed to recognize altered versions of an image, including resized, cropped, compressed, or otherwise modified copies, not just exact duplicates. That said, no detection technology can guarantee it will catch every altered version.

Question 32

Can it search private accounts, encrypted messages, or closed groups?

Accepted Answer

Not entirely, though this is an area we’re continually improving. Truly encrypted messages and private, password-protected spaces are outside what any outside technology can access, and we don’t attempt to bypass such measures. That said, through platform partnerships and authorized reporting channels, we're sometimes able to act on content in closed or private groups when it’s reported to us or it has been made accessible through official channels. This remains one of the hardest parts of this work, and expanding what’s possible here, responsibly, is an ongoing priority.

Question 33

What if the content is hosted outside the United States?

Accepted Answer

Protect Privacy AI pursues removal options whenever available, including when content is hosted internationally.

Because laws differ across countries, available remedies and response times may vary.

While international cases can present additional challenges, Protect Privacy AI evaluates available reporting and escalation options whenever possible.

Question 34

How does Protect Privacy AI escalate an unsuccessful request?

Accepted Answer

If an initial removal request is unsuccessful, Protect Privacy AI evaluates additional available escalation options.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include additional communications with the platform, reporting through available legal or regulatory channels, infrastructure providers such as registrars and hosts, or other appropriate escalation methods. If a platform does not provide a reporting mechanism or abuse contact, Protect Privacy AI may escalate the matter to appropriate regulatory authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States, when applicable.

Because every website operates under different policies and legal requirements, escalation strategies vary by case.

Question 35

What if the content is removed and later reposted?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, online content may be reposted after removal.

Ongoing monitoring is intended to help identify future appearances of qualifying content so that additional action can be taken when appropriate.

Although no company can guarantee permanent removal from the internet, continued monitoring can help reduce future exposure.

Question 36

Can I exclude certain websites from my scans?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Exclusions are designed for sites where you want your content to remain, such as a personal site or income-generating portfolio. You can manage these in your onboarding and in your dashboard to ensure our technology recognizes your authorized posts and does not accidentally flag them for removal.

Question 37

Does Protect Privacy AI store my images?

Accepted Answer

Protect Privacy AI is designed to minimize the collection and storage of the content you are requesting be removed.

The moment an image reaches us, it’s encrypted end to end and held as scrambled, unreadable data. And, consistent with other common practices to help prevent nonconsensual images from being re-uploaded, we also create a hash of your image (like a fingerprint) so it can be shared with databases like StopNCII to prevent reupload on participating platforms.

We don’t publicly detail every safeguard we use.

Question 38

Will Protect Privacy AI employees see my intimate images?

Accepted Answer

Generally, no. Images are held only in encrypted, unreadable form; we also store a hash and the URL. The URL is only visible to a select group of limited case support analysts. Nearly all matches are handled without any staff member ever needing to view your content directly. If a match is below our confidence threshold, you will be the one asked to confirm it’s you. The image will be shown blurred with only the face area selectively unblurred where needed, and with the option to click through to the live URL. In rare cases, your assigned case worker may need to view content to assist with your case, but this only happens with your explicit permission and by clicking through to the live URL, never through anything stored or viewable in our system.

Question 39

Who can see the content or links associated with my case?

Accepted Answer

If a match falls below our confidence threshold, you may be asked to review it yourself to confirm whether it's you; it will be shown blurred, with the face area selectively unblurred where needed for identification, and you can choose to click through to the live URL for the full content. Beyond that, we generally don't expect any staff member to need to view content directly. In rare cases, your assigned case worker may view content, but only by clicking through to the live URL with your explicit permission. That team is carefully selected to support your comfort and safety.

Question 40

Who can see the content or links associated with my case?

Accepted Answer

If a match falls below our confidence threshold, you may be asked to review it yourself to confirm whether it's you; it will be shown blurred, with the face area selectively unblurred where needed for identification, and you can choose to click through to the live URL for the full content. Beyond that, we generally don't expect any staff member to need to view content directly. In rare cases, your assigned case worker may view content, but only by clicking through to the live URL with your explicit permission. That team is carefully selected to support your comfort and safety..

Question 41

How is my data protected?

Accepted Answer

Protect Privacy AI takes the protection of users' information very seriously.

Your data is protected on multiple levels. Images are held only in encrypted, unreadable form, as described above, and no one, including our own engineers, can view them. Case information is limited to what's needed to support you: your name, intake answers, and case status, accessible only to your assigned case worker on a dedicated support team. Links to found content are masked and visible only to that assigned case worker. Access is role-based, every access event is logged, and we work to collect and retain only what's necessary to resolve your case. You can delete your account and request deletion of related data at any time, subject to any applicable legal obligations. Because cybersecurity depends on continuously evolving protections, Protect Privacy AI does not publicly disclose every security measure used to protect user information.

Question 42

Can I delete my account and information?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can delete your account and request deletion of related data at any time. In limited situations, we may need to retain certain information to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, or enforce our agreements, as described in our Privacy Policy

Question 43

How does Protect Privacy AI protect me from "doxxing" or exposure of my personal information?

Accepted Answer

Many sites that host IBSA are designed to inflict further harm by intentionally pairing your images with personal information like your name, contact details, or social media profiles. Our service specifically addresses this by acting as your authorized representative for all takedown notices. This means you don't have to communicate directly with site administrators, keeping your identity shielded. We focus on removing not just the images, but also mitigating the risk of your personal information being used for harassment, and we work to keep your contact details private throughout the removal process.

Question 44

Someone I care about is affected. How can I help?

Accepted Answer

The most important thing is that the person affected stays in control of what happens. Because our service requires the affected person to initiate their own case, you can’t start one for them. But you can help them get started and be there while they do. They’re welcome to invite you to sit alongside them through the process. You can point them to resources, listen without pressuring, and help them feel safe to act on their own timeline.

Question 45

I found content of someone I know. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Don’t download, share, or repost it, even to warn someone, as that can cause further harm and complicate removal. If the person depicted is an adult, the best step is to let them know (if it’s safe to do so) and share this resource so they can decide how to proceed. If the person is or may be a minor, do not engage with the content; report it directly to NCMEC at CyberTipline.org or takeitdown.ncmec.org.

Question 46

I'm a direct service provider. Can I refer clients to Protect Privacy AI?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Advocates, caseworkers, therapists, and attorneys are welcome to refer clients. Because we require the affected person to initiate and consent to their own case, referral means helping your client connect with us. You can’t open a case on their behalf, but you can walk them through getting started and stay involved with their consent. We do have discounted rates for nonprofits supporting multiple individuals.

Question 47

Do you offer resources or training for service providers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide resources for providers working with survivors of image-based sexual abuse, including referral guides, intake materials, trainings/webinars. To request materials or set up a conversation, contact us at partners@protectprivacy.ai.

Question 48

As a platform, how can Protect Privacy AI help us?

Accepted Answer

Protect Privacy AI helps platforms keep image-based sexual abuse off their sites and meet obligations under new and emerging laws. We work with platforms both as a compliance tool that helps you detect, act on, and document IBSA content, and as a trusted partner providing secure reporting to removal channels. We have done the heavy lifting so that you and your platform can focus on running your business.

Question 49

Why should our platform trust removal requests from Protect Privacy AI?

Accepted Answer

Every case handled by PPAI is initiated and verified by the affected person themselves. We require the person whose content is at issue consent to their own case, which means that the requests you receive from us are backed by identity verification and genuine consent, are not third-party or automated, false claims. We also preserve documentation (but not abuse images)  and maintain records for each case, so requests are documented and auditable.

Question 50

How does a platform get started with Protect Privacy AI?

Accepted Answer

Reach out at partners@protectprivacy.ai and we'll walk you through options for reporting, integration, and compliance support.

Question 51

Do you work with law enforcement and attorneys?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide legal and documentation capture technology available to support your cases (importantly, this documentation does not include actual abuse imagery). We also capture and preserve records as part of our services, held in an encrypted state with a perceptual hash for matching and verification. Those records belong to the user and may be shared with law enforcement or legal counsel at the user’s discretion, though we make no representation that such records will be admissible in any legal proceeding or dispute. We do not escalate a case to law enforcement on our own. Attorneys pursuing civil action can also connect with us through our legal partner network.

Question 52

Media or press inquiries

Accepted Answer

For media and press, contact press@protectprivacy.ai.

Question 53

Does the company provide legal advice?

Accepted Answer

No. Protect Privacy AI is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

While our team may provide educational information regarding available reporting or removal options, users seeking legal advice should consult a licensed attorney. If you're interested in civil action, we can refer you to experienced legal partners who specialize in these kinds of cases.

Question 54

Does Protect Privacy AI save any documentation before requesting removal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work to capture and preserve documentation as part of our services before pursuing removal. That documentation is held in an encrypted state, along with a perceptual hash (like a digital fingerprint), so it can be used for matching and verification without exposing the underlying content. These records are for your use and may be shared with law enforcement, attorneys, or other professionals at your discretion. We do not escalate a case to law enforcement on our own; instead, we work to provide information on the relevant laws in your local jurisdiction so you can pursue that path if you choose to. If you're interested in civil action, we can refer you to experienced legal partners who specialize in these kinds of cases. Documentation preservation practices may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Question 55

What is the TAKE IT DOWN Act, and does it apply to me?

Accepted Answer

The TAKE IT DOWN Act is a U.S. federal law signed in May 2025 and fully enforced since May 2026. This law makes it a federal crime to share or threaten to share someone’s sexually explicit images without consent, including AI-generated forgeries (“deepfakes”). It also requires covered online platforms to remove such images within 48 hours of a valid request, with the FTC enforcing this rule. If sexual images of you, real or fake, were shared or if someone threatened to share such material without your consent, this law was written to protect you, and you have the right to demand their removal.

Question 56

What if I'm in crisis right now?

Accepted Answer

If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. If you are struggling and need to talk to someone, reach out to The Digital Identity Foundation or the CCRI Crisis Line: 844-878-2274. Protect Privacy AI can help you address the content itself, and our sister nonprofit, The Digital Identity Foundation, can offer direct services, community space and support through the process, but please reach out to crisis support first if you need it.

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