Why Reddit content spreads quickly

Subreddits operate as semi public communities with low moderation latency. Once a thread surfaces in a default feed it can reach millions of impressions inside an hour, and reposting across subreddits is trivial.

Japan legal framework

Act on Prevention of Damage Caused by Provision of Private Sexual Image Records (Act No. 126 of 2014). Up to 3 years imprisonment or fine up to ¥500,000 for unauthorised provision. Up to 1 year for facilitating provision.

The civil erasure right under Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) request for cessation of use is enforceable against Reddit regardless of where Reddit processes the data, where the data subject is in Japan.

Reddit removal route

Reddit accepts statutory takedown notices through its dedicated non consensual intimate imagery form and through its DMCA agent. Both routes trigger Reddit's safety review pipeline.

Reddit is a covered platform under 47 USC 223a. Reddit's Section 230 protections do not insulate it from the 48 hour removal obligation under the TAKE IT DOWN Act once a compliant notice is filed.

Evidence preservation specific to Reddit

Capture the post id, the subreddit name, the username, and the permalink. Reddit deletes posts when the original poster removes them, which destroys the URL but not the cached image. Save the image directly and record the timestamp.

Five step removal process

  1. 1

    Capture evidence from Reddit

    Capture the post id, the subreddit name, the username, and the permalink. Reddit deletes posts when the original poster removes them, which destroys the URL but not the cached image. Save the image directly and record the timestamp.

  2. 2

    File Revenge Porn Prevention Act criminal complaint

    Report to local police or national cybercrime unit. Safer Internet Association hotline can assist.

  3. 3

    Submit Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) request for cessation of use erasure request to Reddit

    Reddit accepts statutory takedown notices through its dedicated non consensual intimate imagery form and through its DMCA agent. Both routes trigger Reddit's safety review pipeline. The request must identify the URLs and cite the legal basis. PPC 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 Reddit

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

Frequently asked questions

Can Reddit be required to remove intimate images of a Japan resident?

Yes. Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) request for cessation of use gives any data subject in Japan the right to require erasure. Reddit operates a dedicated NCII removal portal that processes these requests. Where Reddit 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 Reddit from Japan?

Act on Prevention of Damage Caused by Provision of Private Sexual Image Records (Act No. 126 of 2014). Up to 3 years imprisonment or fine up to ¥500,000 for unauthorised provision. Up to 1 year for facilitating provision.

How does Reddit verify a Japan erasure request?

Reddit accepts statutory takedown notices through its dedicated non consensual intimate imagery form and through its DMCA agent. Both routes trigger Reddit's safety review pipeline. PPC can be petitioned if Reddit fails to act within the statutory window.

What evidence should I capture from Reddit?

Capture the post id, the subreddit name, the username, and the permalink. Reddit deletes posts when the original poster removes them, which destroys the URL but not the cached image. Save the image directly and record the timestamp.

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