Remove divorce dispute 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.
• Contested divorces involving custody, finances, or spousal support disputes occasionally produce NCII as a coercive tactic. Distribution during litigation can also be used to manipulate settlement negotiations.
• NCII conduct is admissible in family court for purposes of custody, support, and protective order determinations. The conduct typically harms the perpetrator's position substantially in the divorce proceeding.
• 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. Full communication history with the spouse including any threats made about distribution
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
   Do not contact the ex partner before notices are filed Do not engage with the spouse about the distribution outside the divorce proceeding. Communications outside the proceeding can be characterized adversely and may produce additional admission claims. All communication during the active removal phase should be through counsel. The ex partner's behavior during this period is critical evidence.
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 platform removal 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 platform removal
• State NCII statutes which exist in 48 states with criminal penalties
• 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.