Why Google content spreads quickly

Google Search and Google Images are the discovery layer for nearly every NCII case. Removing the underlying content does not always remove the cached version from Google, and reverse image search can surface mirrors.

India legal framework

Information Technology Act 2000 sections 66E (violation of privacy) and 67/67A (publishing or transmitting obscene or sexually explicit material), plus BNS section 77 (replacing IPC s.354C). Section 66E: up to 3 years imprisonment or fine up to INR 2 lakh. Section 67A: first conviction up to 5 years and INR 10 lakh fine, subsequent up to 7 years.

The civil erasure right under Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 (right to erasure under section 12) is enforceable against Google regardless of where Google processes the data, where the data subject is in India.

Google removal route

Google accepts NCII removal requests through its dedicated NCII removal form for Search and Images. Approved requests result in URL deindexing from Google Search results within 12 hours typically.

Google's NCII removal form is the most reliable single point of leverage in the open web. Approved removals also propagate to Google's broader index which suppresses discovery across Discover and News surfaces.

Evidence preservation specific to Google

Capture the search query that surfaces the content, the result URL, and any cached or thumbnail versions. Google retains cached snapshots that may persist for weeks after the underlying content is removed.

Five step removal process

  1. 1

    Capture evidence from Google

    Capture the search query that surfaces the content, the result URL, and any cached or thumbnail versions. Google retains cached snapshots that may persist for weeks after the underlying content is removed.

  2. 2

    File Information Technology Act sections 66E and 67/67A criminal complaint

    Report to local police or national cybercrime unit. Cyber Crime Reporting Portal can assist.

  3. 3

    Submit Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 (right to erasure under section 12) erasure request to Google

    Google accepts NCII removal requests through its dedicated NCII removal form for Search and Images. Approved requests result in URL deindexing from Google Search results within 12 hours typically. The request must identify the URLs and cite the legal basis. DPB India accepts complaints for non compliance.

  4. 4

    Run a biometric scan to find every other hosting location

    Content rarely stays on one platform. ScanErase identifies every current location in a single scan including mirrored copies and AI generated variants of the same image.

  5. 5

    Dispatch parallel TAKE IT DOWN Act notice to Google

    Google is a covered platform with a 48 hour federal removal obligation. ScanErase files the notice within 5 minutes of authorisation.

Frequently asked questions

Can Google be required to remove intimate images of a India resident?

Yes. Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 (right to erasure under section 12) gives any data subject in India the right to require erasure. Google operates a dedicated NCII removal portal that processes these requests. Where Google is also subject to US jurisdiction, the TAKE IT DOWN Act adds a 48 hour federal obligation.

What is the criminal exposure of the person who posted to Google from India?

Information Technology Act 2000 sections 66E (violation of privacy) and 67/67A (publishing or transmitting obscene or sexually explicit material), plus BNS section 77 (replacing IPC s.354C). Section 66E: up to 3 years imprisonment or fine up to INR 2 lakh. Section 67A: first conviction up to 5 years and INR 10 lakh fine, subsequent up to 7 years.

How does Google verify a India erasure request?

Google accepts NCII removal requests through its dedicated NCII removal form for Search and Images. Approved requests result in URL deindexing from Google Search results within 12 hours typically. DPB India can be petitioned if Google fails to act within the statutory window.

Can the India regulator force Google to remove content?

Section 79 of the IT Act and the IT Rules 2021 require intermediaries to remove non consensual intimate imagery within 24 hours of complaint to retain safe harbour.

What evidence should I capture from Google?

Capture the search query that surfaces the content, the result URL, and any cached or thumbnail versions. Google retains cached snapshots that may persist for weeks after the underlying content is removed.

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