Remove leaks from a photo shoot or someone else's account
You are in the content, but someone else filmed it, edited it or posted it first. Then the first question is: who owns the copyright? The answer decides which removal route works.
Who owns the copyright?
The copyright owner is usually the person who made the content: the person behind the camera, or the company that paid for the work. Being in a photo does not make you the copyright owner.
| Content | Usual copyright owner |
|---|---|
| Your own selfies and your own recordings | You |
| A paid photo shoot | The photographer, unless the contract gives the rights to you |
| A studio production | The studio |
| A TV show or a film | The broadcaster or the production company |
| A collab that you filmed together | Often both of you |
| Content that a partner filmed of you | Often the partner, unless you agreed something else |
A contract can change this. Read your contract, or ask the other party for a copy.
What does a model release mean for you?
A model release is a contract in which you allow the producer to use your image. It usually does not give you the copyright. Some releases give you rights back, for example the right to use the photos on your own accounts. A few releases also say who sends removal requests for leaks. Check yours for words like "copyright", "assignment", "license" and "enforcement".
When does a DMCA notice work?
A DMCA notice works when one of these is true:
- You own the copyright.
- The copyright owner gave you the rights in writing (an assignment).
- The copyright owner gave you written permission to act for them.
If none of these is true, the copyright owner must send the notice. See DMCA basics.
How do you ask the photographer or the studio to act?
- Send the exact page addresses of the copies.
- Ask the copyright owner to send a DMCA notice, or to let you send it for them.
- If they allow you, ask for that permission in writing, with the content and the date.
- Keep their answer.
Most studios and many photographers want leaks removed too, because the copies cost them money. Large studios often use their own removal service.
What about content from a TV appearance?
The broadcaster or the production company owns the footage. Contact their legal or rights department with the page addresses. If a clip shows you in a way that you did not agree to, also see the next section.
What about collabs on someone else's account?
If you made the content together, you often share the copyright. Each co-owner can usually ask a site to remove a copy that neither of you allowed. It is still best to agree with your partner first, so you do not both send notices for the same page.
When is a consent request the better route?
Sometimes you agreed to make the content, but not to publish it on that site. A copyright notice is not the only tool then.
- The site's own content removal form. Many large adult sites that take card payments have a form for people who appear in a video. The card companies ask them to have one.
- Google. Google has forms to remove some explicit content from search results, for example content that someone published without your consent. Find them in the Google Search help center under personal content removal.
These routes ask about you, not about the copyright. Answer the questions honestly and give the page addresses.
What does Unexpose do?
Our DMCA notices are for content that you own or have the right to protect. If someone else owns the copyright, tell us in a ticket on the Help page before you send a removal request. We tell you which route fits.
For content you made yourself, see how we remove leaked OnlyFans content, remove leaked Fansly content and remove leaked Fanvue content.
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