My social media photos have been misused — what now?
Report to platform + removal request to abuser. On commercial misuse: damages claim. On intimate context: Helpwanted + police.
Someone copied your Instagram/Facebook/LinkedIn photos and republished or edited them. Dual legal basis: GDPR (photo = personal data) AND Dutch portrait law (Copyright Act Art. 21). Often also copyright — you are the photographer, no one else may publish without licence. Three scenarios + matching routes: (1) Simple republication — platform report + removal request to abuser. (2) Commercial misuse (ad, product photo, fake voucher) — damages claim based on lost income + Cruijff ruling case law. (3) Intimate context (deepfake, fake account with intimate suggestion) — Helpwanted.nl (free) + police report + Sr Art. 139h revenge-porn basis. On account impersonation: immediately report to platform — Meta, X, TikTok have "report impersonation" procedures within 24-48h. Request removal AND suspension of imitator account.
Step by step
Secure evidence + platform report
Screenshots with URL + date. Report via platform "report" button (Meta/X/TikTok). Add link to your original profile as proof of authorship.
Removal request to abuser
GDPR Art. 17 + portrait right: erasure request generator (€9.99). Give 14-day deadline.
On commercial misuse: damages claim
Comparable licensing fee + Art. 82 GDPR damages. Portrait right claim generator.
On intimate context: Helpwanted + police
Helpwanted.nl immediately (free, chat 7d/wk) + police report (Sr Art. 139h). Centrum Seksueel Geweld 0800-0188 for psychological support.
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Sources
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