Why this happens

Open source deepfake tools require only a single clear facial photograph to produce convincing synthetic intimate content. Any public photo on social media or LinkedIn can be the source.

Targeted deepfake attacks frequently begin in private Telegram or Discord communities and spread to public sites within days. Early detection through biometric scanning is the only reliable way to find every copy.

Legal framework in France

Code pénal article 226-2-1 (atteinte à l'intimité de la vie privée à caractère sexuel). Up to 2 years imprisonment and €60,000 fine.

France's 2016 digital law inserted article 226-2-1 into the Penal Code, criminalising the distribution of sexually intimate content without consent regardless of whether the image was originally captured with consent. The 3018 helpline serves all victims of online violence and Pharos is the official report platform.

Evidence to preserve

Do not: Do not amplify the content by responding publicly. Engagement increases visibility and may also be used by the perpetrator to claim consent or interaction.

Five step removal process

  1. 1

    Preserve all evidence first

    Full page screenshot of every URL where the content appears. The username and account handle that posted the content.

  2. 2

    File the Article 226-2-1 Code pénal criminal complaint

    Report to local police or the national cybercrime unit. Plateforme PHAROS / 3018 can assist.

  3. 3

    Submit an erasure request under GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure) plus Loi Informatique et Libertés

    Each major platform has a designated data protection contact. The request must cite the legal basis and identify the URLs. The platform has 30 days to respond. CNIL accepts complaints for non compliance.

  4. 4

    Run a biometric scan to find every additional copy

    Content posted to one platform is rarely confined to one platform. ScanErase identifies every current hosting location in a single scan, including mirror copies and AI generated variants.

  5. 5

    File TAKE IT DOWN Act notices for covered platforms

    Use your scan report to file the federal 48 hour notice yourself, in parallel with your domestic rights. The two regimes are cumulative, not exclusive.

Statutory citations to include in your complaint

Frequently asked questions

Is deepfake of me a crime in France?

Yes. Code pénal article 226-2-1 (atteinte à l'intimité de la vie privée à caractère sexuel) criminalises this conduct. Up to 2 years imprisonment and €60,000 fine.

What evidence should a France victim of deepfake of me preserve?

Full page screenshot of every URL where the content appears. The username and account handle that posted the content. Any source images credited or visibly used, which proves the deepfake derivation. The video or image file itself, downloaded for evidence preservation.

Does GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure) apply to this scenario?

Yes. GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure) plus Loi Informatique et Libertés gives the victim a direct erasure right against any platform processing the imagery. CNIL enforces non compliance.

What support is available in France for deepfake of me?

Plateforme PHAROS / 3018 provides direct support to victims and can assist with both the criminal complaint and the platform removal process. Contact at https://www.internet-signalement.gouv.fr.

Can a France victim also file a US TAKE IT DOWN Act notice?

Yes when the hosting platform is subject to US jurisdiction. The 48 hour federal removal obligation runs in parallel with rights under Article 226-2-1 Code pénal and GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure) plus Loi Informatique et Libertés.

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