Discovering an intimate image online can leave you frightened about who has seen it and what happens next. That is true whether someone posted a private photograph or created a convincing fake. You do not have to explain or defend your personal life to deserve help.
For New Jersey survivors facing intimate images shared without consent, a recent federal update offers a useful next step. In September 2026, the Federal Trade Commission published guidance on reporting platforms that fail to take images down. The guidance builds on removal requirements that became enforceable earlier this year. Understanding the process can help you take one manageable action at a time.
What changed in 2026?
The FTC began enforcing the TAKE IT DOWN Act’s platform notice-and-removal requirements on May 19, 2026. Covered platforms must provide a way to request removal of nonconsensual intimate images. After receiving a valid request, they must remove the image within 48 hours and make reasonable efforts to identify and remove known identical copies. See the FTC’s enforcement announcement.
The Act is enacted federal law, not a pending New Jersey proposal. The September guidance explains how to report a platform’s failure; it does not create a new October deadline.
The FTC’s compliance guidance explains that the law covers real intimate images and digital forgeries, including qualifying images created or altered with artificial intelligence. Covered platforms include many services hosting user-generated content. Whether a particular service or image qualifies requires checking the law’s definitions rather than assuming every website and every embarrassing photograph is covered.
Start with the platform’s intimate-image removal process
Use the platform’s designated process for reporting an intimate image published without consent. A general complaint about an account may not supply the information needed for a valid removal request. Look for instructions addressing nonconsensual intimate images or the TAKE IT DOWN Act.
Section 3 of the enacted law requires a written request containing:
- A physical or electronic signature from the person depicted or an authorized person acting on their behalf.
- Identification of the image and enough information for the platform to locate it.
- A brief good-faith statement that publication was nonconsensual, including relevant information.
- Enough contact information for the platform to reach the person making the request.
The 48-hour period runs from receipt of a valid request. Keep the confirmation, request number if provided, and submission date and time. If someone helps you, discuss what you want them to do and what information you are comfortable sharing. Assistance should support your choices.
What if the platform ignores the request?
The FTC’s September 2026 reporting guidance directs people to TakeItDown.ftc.gov when a platform has not acted after 48 hours. Identify the platform and explain where the image appeared and what happened when you requested removal.
You can also report a missing or broken removal process, as explained in the FTC’s image-based abuse guidance. A report to the FTC concerns the platform’s compliance. It should not be confused with a direct removal request to the platform or a report about the person who posted the content.
Keep those actions in separate entries in your timeline: “Requested removal from platform,” “Received response,” and “Reported platform to FTC.” That simple distinction makes follow-up easier when several organizations are involved.
Keep useful records without circulating the image
A careful record can document the problem without encouraging others to search for or share the content. Start with details such as the platform name, page address, account handle, dates, and the text of threatening messages. Keep request confirmations and responses in a secure place.
For example, imagine someone tells you that a former partner posted an image in a group. Ask for the identifying information needed to locate and report the post rather than asking friends to forward the image widely. You can then discuss safe evidence preservation with a lawyer or appropriate reporting organization.
Do not post the image publicly to explain what happened. Before sending sensitive material to a law office, ask how the office wants to receive it securely. For an initial inquiry, a brief description of the issue is enough to begin discussing next steps.
If the image depicts someone under 18
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children offers a separate service also called Take It Down. It can create a digital fingerprint, called a hash, from an eligible image already on the original device, without uploading the image itself. It is intended for images taken when the person depicted was under 18, even if that person is now an adult.
NCMEC specifically says not to download an image or ask someone to send it to you to use the service. If you lack the original device or need help with online child sexual exploitation, its guidance points to the CyberTipline. The hashing service works with participating platforms and does not guarantee removal from every location online.
Removal is one step toward addressing the harm
A takedown request focuses on limiting access to content. A legal consultation can address different questions: What happened? Is there ongoing coercion? What records should be preserved? What legal options and deadlines may apply? Avoid assuming that content removal resolves every issue or automatically establishes a damages claim.
Rudikh & Associates’ sexual abuse practice assists survivors exploring their legal options. To request a consultation, call 732-659-6961, email info@rudikhlaw.com, or use our contact page. You can start by asking about the process and how to share information safely.
This article provides general information, not legal advice. Coverage, reporting procedures, legal options, and deadlines depend on the circumstances.