Remove AI training on me content from Mastodon

Why this happens on Mastodon

• Federated content spreads across multiple instances through reposts and replies. Removing from the originating instance does not remove from the cached copies on every instance that federated the post.
• Character bot platforms allow users to upload reference images and intimate content to fine tune custom characters. These platforms have been documented hosting NCII fine tuned models against named individuals.
• Generative models can also be trained on individual's content for the purpose of producing unlimited synthetic intimate output. The training set itself is the underlying NCII even if the outputs are technically synthetic.
• Cross platform spread is the rule, not the exception. Content first appearing on Mastodon typically reaches between four and twelve additional platforms within 72 hours through reposts, mirrors, and screenshot redistribution.

The takedown process

What to do, step by step

1. 01
   Document every instance before reporting Capture full page screenshots with the URL bar visible, the posting account handle, and the upload timestamp. The platform hosting the model or chatbot
2. 02
   Run a biometric scan to find every copy across platforms Content first appearing on Mastodon rarely stays there. ScanErase indexes 2.4 billion face embeddings across 200 plus platforms and identifies every current hosting location in a single scan, including AI generated derivatives.
3. 03
   Dispatch the takedown notice to Mastodon Mastodon is federated across thousands of independent instances. Removal requires identifying the specific instance hosting the content and contacting that instance's admin directly.
4. 04
   Capture the AI tool fingerprint for the legal record Most AI generated NCII contains visible artifacts or watermarks indicating the specific tool used. Capture this evidence alongside the content itself. The AI tool operator may be a separate defendant in addition to the distributor.
5. 05
   Escalate through hosting and CDN if required Each Mastodon instance has its own admin. Most instance admins are responsive to NCII reports. The fediverse operates a shared block list which can prevent the originating instance from federating with mainstream instances.
6. 06
   File a police report and preserve the legal record 47 USC 223a TAKE IT DOWN Act for both the training data and the synthetic outputs provides the federal basis for the takedown. Document every notice sent, every platform response, and every removal confirmation in a single evidence file. ScanErase produces this Verified Removal Package automatically as your case progresses.

Legal context

• Most Mastodon instance admins comply quickly with NCII reports. The Mastodon Server Covenant explicitly prohibits NCII content, which gives leverage even with instances outside US jurisdiction.
• 47 USC 223a TAKE IT DOWN Act for both the training data and the synthetic outputs
• Right of publicity claims for the unauthorized use of likeness in model training and inference
• Capture the full federated URL including the instance domain, the original post URL, and any reblogs from other instances. Each instance must be reported separately for full removal.