File a civil lawsuit for damages (Reface content on Mastodon)

Why this matters for Reface content on Mastodon

• Reface is broadly considered a low risk service due to active content moderation, but its model architecture has been replicated in higher risk derivative services.
• Federated content spreads across multiple instances through reposts and replies. Removing from the originating instance does not remove from the cached copies on every instance that federated the post.
• Reface content distributed through Mastodon typically reaches between four and twelve additional platforms within 72 hours through reposts, mirrors, and cross platform redistribution.
• Source attribution to Reface is critical for civil lawsuit because it establishes the AI generated nature of the content, which strengthens statutory claims under 47 USC 223a regardless of whether the depicted person ever existed in unaltered form.

How AI generator removal works

What to do, step by step

1. 01
   Preserve evidence before any other action Capture full page screenshots with the URL bar visible, save the highest resolution copy of the content available, and document the Reface fingerprint indicators including reface outputs display a characteristic logo watermark in the free tier and use a recognizable temporal smoothing algorithm in video output. Complete evidence package with platform notices and removal records
2. 02
   Run a biometric scan to find every copy across platforms Reface content distributed on Mastodon rarely stays there. ScanErase indexes 2.4 billion face embeddings across 200 plus platforms and identifies every current hosting location in a single scan, including additional Reface variations.
3. 03
   Engage counsel and file the civil complaint Delaware corporate registration supports direct civil claim filing in United States courts. Reface has terms of service prohibiting NCII use which support both account termination and civil claims for breach. Engage counsel familiar with both NCII civil practice and the Mastodon platform notice and counter notice procedure. The Doe defendant filing preserves the right to sue an unknown perpetrator while identification proceeds.
4. 04
   Document the Reface source attribution Reface outputs display a characteristic logo watermark in the free tier and use a recognizable temporal smoothing algorithm in video output. This attribution evidence is critical for the legal record and supports stronger statutory claims regardless of which specific action you pursue.
5. 05
   Coordinate with Mastodon platform removal Mastodon is federated across thousands of independent instances. Removal requires identifying the specific instance hosting the content and contacting that instance's admin directly.
6. 06
   File the complete evidence record for the legal track 47 USC 223a private right of action for statutory damages provides the foundational legal basis for this action. Document every notice sent, every platform response, and every confirmation in a single evidence file. ScanErase produces this Verified Removal Package automatically as your case progresses.

Legal context

• 47 USC 223a private right of action for statutory damages
• State NCII civil statutes in 38 states providing additional damages
• Most Mastodon instance admins comply quickly with NCII reports. The Mastodon Server Covenant explicitly prohibits NCII content, which gives leverage even with instances outside US jurisdiction.
• Reface attribution: Delaware corporate registration supports direct civil claim filing in United States courts. Reface has terms of service prohibiting NCII use which support both account termination and civil claims for breach.