How to Request Content Removal
Learn how to create removal requests and track their progress through the takedown process.
What Are Removal Requests?
Removal requests are formal DMCA takedown notices sent to website owners and hosting providers to remove your unauthorized content.
Who Can Use This Feature?
| Plan | Removal Requests |
|---|---|
| Free | DIY only (see DIY Removals) |
| Starter+ | Automated processing |
Free users can learn to file their own requests in our DIY Removals section.
Creating a Removal Request
From Matches Page
- Go to Matches in your dashboard
- Find the match you want removed
- Click Request Removal button
- Confirm the request
Bulk Removal Requests
- Enable selection mode on the Matches page
- Select multiple matches
- Click Request Removal for selected
- Confirm the bulk request
What Happens Next
Once you create a removal request:
Step 1: Review (1-24 hours)
Our team reviews the request to ensure it meets DMCA requirements.
Step 2: Contact (24-48 hours)
We send the DMCA notice to:
- The website owner/operator
- The hosting provider
- Search engines (Google, Bing)
Step 3: Follow-up (Varies)
We track responses and follow up as needed:
- Most sites respond within 24-72 hours
- Search engines typically remove within 48 hours
- Non-responsive sites receive additional notices
Step 4: Resolution
The request is marked as:
- Removed: Content successfully taken down
- Pending: Awaiting response
- Escalated: Additional action needed
Tracking Progress
Removal Requests Page
Go to Removals to see all your requests with:
- Current status
- Date created
- Target link
- Action history
Status Meanings
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Pending | Request created, awaiting processing |
| In Progress | DMCA notice sent, awaiting response |
| Removed | Content successfully removed |
| Partially Removed | Some content removed (e.g., page down, search results pending) |
| Escalated | Non-responsive, additional action being taken |
| Closed | Request completed or cannot be processed |
Email Notifications
You'll receive emails for:
- Request confirmation
- Status updates
- Successful removals
- Issues requiring your attention
Timeline Expectations
| Action | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Initial review | 1-24 hours |
| DMCA notice sent | 24-48 hours |
| Site removal | 1-7 days |
| Search engine removal | 24-72 hours |
| Total process | 3-14 days |
TIP
Most legitimate hosting providers comply with DMCA requests within 24-72 hours.
What If Removal Fails?
If a site doesn't comply:
- Escalation: We send additional notices to upstream providers
- Search Engines: We ensure content is removed from search results
- Legal Options: For persistent violators, we can provide documentation for legal action
Best Practices
Be Patient
The removal process takes time. Check your dashboard for updates rather than creating duplicate requests.
Verify First
Make sure the content is actually yours and unauthorized before requesting removal.
Save Evidence
We keep records of all matches and requests, but consider saving your own screenshots as backup.
Next Steps
- DIY Removals - Learn to file your own requests (free users)
- Monitoring Settings - Configure notification preferences