Why this matters for journalist deepfake on Bing

How removal works

The four step deepfake removal process under the TAKE IT DOWN Act of 2026.

What to do, step by step

  1. 01
    Forensically preserve every instance before any other action Capture full page screenshots with the URL bar visible, save the highest resolution copy of the journalist targeting deepfakes available, and document any visible AI generator fingerprints including watermarks, edge blending artifacts, and skin texture inconsistencies. All identified URLs hosting the deepfake content
  2. 02
    Run a biometric scan to find every copy across platforms journalist deepfake content distributed on Bing 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 mirror copies and AI generated variants.
  3. 03
    File the criminal complaint with local law enforcement File with local police or the prosecutor under your state's NCII criminal statute. The complaint should specifically reference the AI generated nature of the journalist targeting deepfakes, the Bing distribution platform, and the public-figure pattern. Provide the complete evidence package and any communications from the perpetrator.
  4. 04
    Preserve identification metadata for subpoena Even anonymous accounts produce identifiable metadata through Bing. Account creation IP, device fingerprint, and posting history support law enforcement subpoena to identify the perpetrator. Doe defendant filings preserve civil claims while identification proceeds.
  5. 05
    Coordinate the Bing platform removal pipeline Bing accepts NCII removal requests through Microsoft's content removal form. Approved requests result in deindexing from Bing Search and Bing Images, and the same removal also applies to Yahoo Search.
  6. 06
    Notify Google and Bing for search deindexing Search engine deindexing runs in parallel to platform removal. Even after the original is removed, search engines retain cached thumbnails and snippets for weeks. File NCII removal requests with both Google and Bing alongside the platform notice.
  7. 07
    File the complete evidence record for the legal track State NCII criminal statutes in 48 states with felony provisions in 16 states for AI generated content 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.

The 48 hour statutory deadline

Statutory 48 hour removal timeline: 47 USC 223a requires platforms to remove non-consensual intimate imagery within 48 hours of a valid notice.

Legal context

Frequently asked questions

Does my public figure status weaken my claim against deepfake content?

Public figure status does not weaken NCII claims. The TAKE IT DOWN Act applies to public figures identically to private individuals, and right of publicity claims provide additional civil remedies for unauthorized commercial use of celebrity likeness.

How long will Bing actually take to remove the deepfake content?

Bing typically responds in approximately 16 hours when a properly formatted statutory notice is filed. ScanErase files the notice within 5 minutes of authorization and tracks compliance through your Verified Removal Package.

Will the prosecutor actually charge the case if I file a police report?

State and local prosecutors increasingly prioritize NCII cases including AI generated content. Charging decisions depend on perpetrator identification, evidence quality, and prosecutorial caseload. The criminal complaint creates a documented record that supports federal referral if the local prosecutor declines.

What if the perpetrator re uploads the deepfake to Bing after removal?

Bing retains hash signatures of removed NCII content which prevents identical re uploads to the same platform. A follow-up ScanErase scan checks for re uploads across all 200 plus indexed platforms, including AI generated variant versions, so you can file a new notice as soon as matches reappear.

Will the file the criminal complaint action reveal my identity to Bing or the perpetrator?

Criminal investigation, potential arrest of the perpetrator, prosecution leading to criminal conviction, documented criminal record that supports civil claims and any future protective orders. The disclosure scope is limited to what the action requires. Your scan and removal process is not disclosed to employers, family, or any third parties beyond the recipients required by the specific legal procedure.

I searched i am being deepfaked because of my reporting and found this guide. What is the very first thing I should do right now?

Before any other action, forensically preserve the evidence with full page screenshots and the highest resolution file copies you can obtain. Do not coordinate with your news outlet's legal team in isolation. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the Committee to Protect Journalists provide specialized expertise that complements outlet counsel. Once evidence is preserved, the Bing takedown notice and the file the criminal complaint action can proceed in parallel.