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.

Italy legal framework

Codice penale articolo 612-ter (diffusione illecita di immagini o video sessualmente espliciti). From 1 to 6 years imprisonment plus €5,000 to €15,000 fine. Aggravated where the perpetrator is a current or former partner.

The civil erasure right under GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure) plus Codice Privacy is enforceable against Google regardless of where Google processes the data, where the data subject is in Italy.

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 Article 612-ter Codice penale criminal complaint

    Report to local police or national cybercrime unit. Garante Privacy revenge porn fast track can assist.

  3. 3

    Submit GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure) plus Codice Privacy 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. Garante Privacy 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 Italy resident?

Yes. GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure) plus Codice Privacy gives any data subject in Italy 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 Italy?

Codice penale articolo 612-ter (diffusione illecita di immagini o video sessualmente espliciti). From 1 to 6 years imprisonment plus €5,000 to €15,000 fine. Aggravated where the perpetrator is a current or former partner.

How does Google verify a Italy 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. Garante Privacy can be petitioned if Google fails to act within the statutory window.

Can the Italy regulator force Google to remove content?

The Garante operates a dedicated revenge porn channel under which a victim who fears imminent distribution can submit hashes for preventive blocking by Meta family platforms.

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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