How to Make Apps and Websites Remove Your Nonconsensual Nudes

The passage of the Take It Down Act last year was hailed as a landmark victory in the fight against online abuse, particularly nonconsensual intimate images and videos (NCII). However, an examination by WIRED reveals that many tech platforms are struggling to implement the law’s key provision: making it easy for victims to report and have such content removed.

The Take It Down Act requires companies to provide a way for people to report NCII on their platforms. When WIRED reached out to 14 major tech companies that disclosed federal lobbying spending on the act, several were unclear about how victims could submit takedown requests or even if they supported the law. T-Mobile claimed it didn’t operate online platforms subject to the law, while X Corp. ignored repeated outreach.

The importance of making takedown requests easy to submit cannot be overstated. Many victims, particularly teenagers, may not know their rights under the law or understand complex legalese often used in these forms. Jennifer King, a fellow at the Stanford University Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, points out that many companies fail to test their reporting forms with younger users, which can lead to confusion and frustration.

Some tech platforms, including Meta and Microsoft, have dedicated forms to guide the submission process. However, others still rely on email addresses or complex support pages that can be overwhelming for victims. Even when takedown requests are submitted, there’s a risk that companies may use these as shields to delay or deny compliance.

The implementation of the Take It Down Act raises questions about the role of tech companies in protecting their users from online abuse. While some platforms have made significant strides in this area, others continue to lag behind. Regulators and lawmakers must hold these companies accountable for creating safe and respectful online environments.

Tech companies can take several steps to improve the takedown process. They should provide clear and accessible reporting forms that are easy to understand, even for younger users. Companies must also ensure that their support pages and email addresses are adequate for victims who want to report abuse. Furthermore, companies must be transparent about how they handle takedown requests and provide regular updates on their progress.

The fight against online abuse is a long-term effort that requires sustained attention and commitment from all stakeholders. The passage of the Take It Down Act was a crucial step in this journey, but it’s only the beginning. As we move forward, regulators, lawmakers, and advocates must continue to push for greater accountability from tech companies.

The road ahead will not be easy, and there will undoubtedly be setbacks along the way. However, with continued pressure from all stakeholders, we can create a safer and more just online environment for all. The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: we must continue to push forward until justice is served.