I don’t post as many of my original images on Facebook as I used to, especially on public pages. There’s a reason for my hesitation. Meta’s (the parent company) stock may have made substantial gains over the past few years. But, in my opinion, it’s come at the expense of creators.
Lately, engagement farm-style accounts have been running wild. They scrape content from photographers, repost it without permission, and often take full credit for it. Heck, even verifiable humans, some of them artists, feel it’s fine to re-post anything they find online as “fair game.” As frustrating as this is, you can take action. Facebook doesn’t have a customer service line, but its copyright team is surprisingly responsive if you go through the proper steps.
Here’s how to submit a copyright takedown request on Facebook.
1. Open a notes app or document
You’ll need to copy and paste several links, and having a dedicated space for that will help you stay organized. A desktop or laptop computer works best for this process, but you can use your mobile phone if you must.
2. Go to the offending Facebook post
Tap the three-dot icon at the top right of the post and choose Report Post.
3. Choose “Intellectual Property”
Once selected, you’ll be taken to a new screen.
4. Copy the first link Facebook provides
Paste this into your notes. You’ll need it later.
5. Select “Copyright” as the type of issue
Then choose I am the rights owner.
6. Fill out your contact information
Make sure your email address is correct. Facebook will use it to follow up on your complaint.
7. Specify your country
This tells Facebook where your copyright is protected.
8. Choose “Photo” when asked about the type of work
This clarifies that you’re protecting an original photograph.
9. Provide proof of ownership
You’ll need to link to your original photo, whether it’s on your website, Instagram, or another source that proves authorship.
10. Link to the infringing Facebook post
Don’t comment on the stolen post. Avoid calling the poster a thief or anything else that might get you blocked before you can gather what you need. I recently made the mistake of telling the offender they weren’t raised right if they think it’s okay to lift content and post it without credit. That person, an attractive female, came back and played the victim.
11. Choose your reason
When prompted, select “This content copies my work.”
12. Add any extra details (optional)
You can give context, but it’s not required.
13. Sign the declaration electronically
Read the declaration, sign it digitally, and submit it for approval.
Final Thoughts
It might feel like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole with these impersonator accounts, but taking the time to submit a proper copyright takedown helps protect your work. It also sends a clear message that certain creators are paying attention.
Unfortunately, the lesson sometimes needs to be repeated a few times for some people to understand that there are real consequences to their actions. Facebook will administer a strike against your profile if something you posted without permission is taken down.
