How to File a DMCA Takedown Request (or Counter Notification) on TrustyFans

TrustyFans is committed to protecting creators and their original content. If someone is using your copyrighted material — like photos, videos, or written posts — without permission, you may have the right to request a takedown under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

Here’s everything you need to know about DMCA, when to file, and how to do it.

What Is the DMCA?

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act is a U.S. law that protects creators from having their original work copied or distributed without their permission. It allows creators to request that infringing content be removed - whether it’s hosted on a social platform, website, or app like TrustyFans.

DMCA does not apply to impersonation or identity theft (e.g., someone pretending to be you). That’s a separate violation — learn how to report impersonation here.

When to File a DMCA Takedown Request

You should file a DMCA request if someone has:

• Reposted your photos, videos, or other original media without permission
• Uploaded content that you created or own the rights to
  
• Taken material from your paid content platform and posted it on their profile
  
• Stolen your written work (captions, bios, scripts, etc.)
  

Even if someone isn’t claiming to be you, you can still file a DMCA if they’re using your copyrighted material.

When Not to File a DMCA

DMCA is not appropriate for:

• Impersonation or fake profiles (file a Stolen Content/Impersonation report instead)
• Disagreements over similar aesthetics or ideas (not covered under copyright law)
  
• Public domain content, stock content, or content you don’t own
  

How to File a DMCA Takedown Request

TrustyFans makes the process easy. Here’s how to submit your request:

1. Visit trustyfans.com/contact-us
2. In the "Reason for Contacting Us" dropdown, select "DMCA Takedown Request"
3. Include the following details in your message (as required by U.S. law):
   • A link to the allegedly infringing content on TrustyFans
   • A description of the copyrighted work you believe was infringed
   • A link to where your original work was first published (if applicable)
   • A statement that you did not give permission for it to be used
     • E.g., “I have a good faith belief that the disputed use of the copyrighted material is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law. I declare under penalty of perjury that the information in this notification is accurate and that I am the copyright owner or am authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner.”
   • Your full legal name and electronic signature (e.g., typing your name)
   • Your contact email address

Important: If your request is missing required details, our team may contact you to clarify before taking action. Submitting a false claim may result in legal liability.

What Happens After You Submit?

Once we receive your DMCA request:

• Our team will review the claim
• If valid, the content will be removed promptly
  
• The user who posted the content may be notified and given a chance to respond (as required by law)
  
• Repeated copyright violations may result in account suspension or removal
  

Protecting Your Content Going Forward

To reduce the risk of future copyright violations:

• Watermark your images or videos with your creator handle or brand
• Limit free content posted on other platforms or use teasers
  
• Monitor search results and reverse image search tools to catch stolen content early
  
• Keep proof of your original work (timestamps, files, URLs, etc.)
  

How to Submit a DMCA Counter-Notification

If your content was removed from TrustyFans due to a DMCA takedown request and you believe this was done in error (e.g., you have permission, the use is fair, or the claim was false), you may file a counter-notification under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

1. To submit a valid counter-notification:
2. Go to trustyfans.com/contact-us
   
3. Select “DMCA Counter-Notification” from the dropdown menu
   
4. Include the following information in your message:
   
   • A link to the content that was removed
   • A statement such as, “I declare under penalty of perjury that I have a good faith belief that the material was removed or disabled as a result of mistake or misidentification.”
   • A statement that you: “Consent to the jurisdiction of the Federal District Court for the judicial district in which my address is located, or if outside the United States, consent to jurisdiction in any judicial district in which TrustyFans may be found, and will accept service of process from the person who provided the original DMCA notification or their agent.”
5. Your full legal name and electronic signature
6. Your full legal address and contact email

What Happens Next:

Once we receive a valid counter-notification, we will forward it to the original claimant. If they do not file a lawsuit within 10–14 business days, we may reinstate your content.

Please note: Submitting false or misleading counter-notices may result in legal consequences.

Questions or Not Sure?

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies for a DMCA claim or want help submitting your report, reach out to our support team. We’re here to help protect your content and reputation.