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.

South Africa legal framework

Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 section 16 (disclosure of data message of intimate image). Up to 3 years imprisonment or fine, or both. Up to 5 years where the disclosure causes substantial harm.

The civil erasure right under Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) section 24 (right to deletion) is enforceable against Reddit regardless of where Reddit processes the data, where the data subject is in South Africa.

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 Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 section 16 criminal complaint

    Report to local police or national cybercrime unit. South African Police Service Cyber Crime can assist.

  3. 3

    Submit Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) section 24 (right to deletion) 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. Information Regulator 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 South Africa resident?

Yes. Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) section 24 (right to deletion) gives any data subject in South Africa 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 South Africa?

Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 section 16 (disclosure of data message of intimate image). Up to 3 years imprisonment or fine, or both. Up to 5 years where the disclosure causes substantial harm.

How does Reddit verify a South Africa 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. Information Regulator 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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