Image-Based Intimate Partner Abuse: Removal and Legal Rights
Image-based abuse by an intimate partner, current or former, is one of the most common forms of NCII. Federal law now gives survivors a direct removal path independent of partner cooperation or court orders.
Image-based abuse encompasses any use of intimate images by a partner or former partner to coerce, control, threaten, or harm. This includes distributing images to your family, employer, or social community; using images as a threat to control your behavior; uploading images to adult sites or social media; and sharing images with mutual friends. The 2026 TAKE IT DOWN Act creates a federal removal right that does not require the abuser's cooperation, a court order, or law enforcement involvement to initiate. ScanErase's scan finds every platform where your images appear, giving you a documented report to file your own removal requests and to support restraining orders, criminal harassment charges, and civil protective orders.
How ScanErase addresses this
-
Ensure your physical safety first The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
-
Upload your face photo when safe ScanErase does not notify your partner or any third party.
-
Identify all hosting locations 2.4 billion face embeddings searched across all 200+ platforms.
-
Unlock your full report See every platform and URL, unblurred, for $15, ready for 223a notices under the 48-hour federal deadline.
-
Use your exposure report for protective orders Complete documentation of every match supports civil and criminal protective proceedings.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my partner's cooperation to remove images?
No. The TAKE IT DOWN Act gives you a removal right that you can exercise independently. Platform removal notices do not require the person who posted the content to agree or cooperate.
Can my exposure report help me get a restraining order?
Your ScanErase exposure report, documenting every platform and URL where your images appear, can be submitted as an exhibit in civil restraining order applications. Consult a domestic violence attorney or your local courthouse for specific procedures.
What if my partner threatens to re-upload images after removal?
Re-uploading removed NCII is a federal violation of the TAKE IT DOWN Act. Each re-upload creates new criminal liability, a follow-up ScanErase scan can document it for law enforcement escalation.
Find where your images appear
Free scan in under 60 seconds. $15 to unlock your full report.
Start your free scan