PanicStation.org
UK USA
us Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations

What to do if…
you discover an explicit deepfake image or video of yourself

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Do not share it further or argue with the person posting it. Save the link and account details, use the platform’s nonconsensual intimate image takedown route, and contact the CCRI Image Abuse Helpline for specialist support.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t pay, negotiate, or send more images to someone threatening you; that may lead to more demands.
  • Don’t post the content publicly to prove it is fake.
  • Don’t send the image or video to friends for verification.
  • Don’t hand over ID documents, passwords, money, or extra photos to anyone demanding them.
  • Don’t delete the message thread or account details before saving the basic information you may need for a report.
  • Don’t blame yourself for not spotting it sooner.

What to do now

  1. Get to a safer pause first. Move away from anyone pressuring you, put the device down for a moment if you can, and ask one trusted person to sit with you while you do the next steps.
  2. Save only the essentials. Write down the platform, username, profile link, post link, message thread, and the time you found it. If you take screenshots, capture the page, account name, URL, and date/time shown on your device. Avoid forwarding the file.
  3. Use the platform’s takedown route. Report the post and the account as nonconsensual intimate imagery, a digital forgery, sexual exploitation, impersonation, or harassment, whichever is closest. Under the federal Take It Down Act, covered platforms generally must offer a way to request removal of nonconsensual intimate images, including AI deepfakes, and remove valid reports and known identical copies within 48 hours.
  4. If a platform will not remove it, report the platform to the FTC. Use the FTC Take It Down reporting page if the platform has no process, the process is broken, or the platform does not remove the image or video after a valid takedown request.
  5. Contact the CCRI Image Abuse Helpline. CCRI supports people affected by image-based sexual abuse. The helpline is free and listed as available 24/7: 1-844-878-2274.
  6. Use StopNCII.org if you are an adult and have a copy of the intimate image or video. StopNCII can create a digital fingerprint on your device so participating platforms can look for matches. The image or video itself is not sent to StopNCII, and the tool only works with participating platforms.
  7. If the person shown is under 18, or you are not sure, treat it as urgent. Do not forward the content or upload it anywhere except an official tool you choose to use. Use NCMEC’s Take It Down service and consider making a CyberTipline report.
  8. If you are being extorted, stalked, or threatened, you can report it. You can report cyber-enabled crime to the FBI’s IC3 and you can contact local law enforcement, especially if threats feel immediate or the person knows where you are.
  9. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Physical safety comes before content removal.

What can wait

  • You do not need to identify who made it right now.
  • You do not need to make a public statement today.
  • You do not need to decide now about school, work, legal action, or telling more people.
  • You can wait on longer-term reputation repair until the urgent reports and support routes are started.

Important reassurance

Finding an explicit deepfake of yourself can feel violating, frightening, and unreal. Shock, anger, numbness, nausea, and racing thoughts are understandable reactions. You did not cause this, and the first goal is only to slow the spread, get support, and keep you safe.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Later decisions about legal options, school or workplace disclosure, safety planning, or wider online cleanup may need specialist help.

Important note

This guide is general information for urgent first steps. It is not legal, medical, financial, therapeutic, or other professional advice.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

Support us