My photo is online without consent — what now?
Step-by-step: secure evidence → contact poster → report to platform → GDPR removal request → AP complaint → potentially court. Most cases resolved within a week.
Step by step
Secure evidence
Before requesting anything: screenshot the post, URL, date/time, names of visible reactions. Save in a secure folder. This is your case file for later steps.
Direct contact with the poster
WhatsApp or email: "Remove my photo/video from [platform]. I do not consent to publication. Remove within 48 hours." Friendly, clear, with deadline. Save the message.
Report to the platform
Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X — all have a "Privacy violation" or "Image without consent" reporting flow. Provide your name + URL. Usually action within 24-72 hours.
Formal GDPR removal request
Platform won't act? Send formal removal request to both poster and platform under GDPR Art. 17 (right to erasure) + Dutch Copyright Act Art. 21 (portrait law). 1-month response window. Our generator: /privacycheck/genereer/foto-verwijderen/
Complaint to Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens
Still no removal? File complaint with the AP via autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl. The AP can fine platform and poster. Include your evidence file.
Civil court action
On significant damage: damages via GDPR Art. 82. Summary proceedings for urgent removal. Usually not needed — the first 4 steps solve 95%.
Sources
🔎 Common search variants
Recognise your own search? Our answer above covers these too.
- “photo online without consent what to do”
- “remove photo without permission”
- “someone posted my photo what now”