Can I Takedown a Negative Review?

While slander and defamation are a matter for courts, DMCA.com can remove content and information which is copyright infringement. Pictures, files, text graphics etc.

Defamatory, slanderous or erroneous professional reviews of you can be very harmful to you and your business. Generally, these user reviews are focused towards doctors, lawyers, dentists, realtors etc. but they can be of anyone in any profession. The internet provides a wide-open, un-policed forum to post lies and misleading information which can permanently damage your professional reputation. There are even several websites dedicated to providing a wide open forum for users to write whatever they want about a particular professional without any proof or vetting of the comments. These users can name names and make false accusations. Just one blog post or gossip site posting can have seriously harmful effects.

Often damaging information is accompanied by photos or files which have been stolen and published without permission with slanderous information.

DMCA.com can help get that stolen content removed through the DMCA Takedown process. Go to: Submit a Takedown and complete the form

Simply submit the name and location of where you found the stolen content and we can go to work on your behalf. Most of our reputation support clients are people or organizations that have found their content listed on another website without their permission.

Some examples of stolen content that we work with everyday are:

1. Pictures - of you or taken by you
2. Videos - of you or taken by you
3. Graphics
4. Text
5. Applications
6. Programs
7. Profiles or Bio's - personal or corporate
8. etc.

If one of these examples is like your situation we can help.

DMCA Fast Tip

Do not be a victim of extortion! Don't send money or a photo ID to hosting companies or website owners to get your content removed. This is a serious privacy violation and is not required within any takedown process, anywhere. If you are told to pay to have your content taken offline it is extortion or a bribe under most laws.

How can a takedown help with negative reviews online?

Most websites, ISP's, OSP's, hosting companies have adopted the DMCA Takedown process to handle requests for the removal of illegally hosted content on websites within their control. If you think you can use the DMCA takedown process to get your content removed. Click here to file a DMCA Takedown

As part of the U.S. copyright law, the DMCA addresses the rights and obligations of owners of copyrighted material who believe their rights under U.S. copyright law have been infringed, particularly but not limited to, on the Internet. DMCA also addresses the rights and obligations of OSP / ISP (Internet Service Providers) on whose servers or networks the infringing material may be found. This law clearly provides a framework, called the DMCA Takedown (Section 512 (c)(3)), for a process between two parties for the request and removal of copied content found online.

If you want to learn more about DMCA Takedowns please see our other FAQ on this specific issue here What is a DMCA Takedown.

Can a Cease and Desist Notice remove a negative review of me online?

A Cease and Desist can be used in cases of defamation, slander or other legal conditions. The DMCA Takedown is delivered because the infringing website is publishing content which is in violation of copyright protection act or being used without permission, according to the sworn statement of the content owner. A DMCA Takedown Notice and a Cease and Desist Notice are two entirely different processes. DMCA.com can help you with both types of notice takedowns through the Professionally Managed Takedown service.

DMCA Takedown Testimonial

The DMCA has been an incredible partner for anyone who works seriously. I have been a frequent victim of attacks by unscrupulous people, who try in every way to harm us. And whenever I turn to you, I receive a quick, efficient and effective treatment. Congratulations on the work so important that you do.

What are options to takedown a negative review of me online??

Sending a takedown notice is a legal process that is upheld by the courts of law. Making and sending of false takedown notifications is illegal and no small legal matter. The penalty of sending a false notice is perjury within the United States. Other jurisdictions treat the sending of false notices very seriously and are comfortable pursuing false claimants with significant vigor.

1. DMCA.com's Professionally Managed takedown service. We do all the work for you; all you need to do is fill out our simple Takedown form. It takes less than 3 minutes. If you wish to perform a Cease and Desist this is the service to choose. Click here to get started Takedown Form
2. DMCA.com's Do it Yourself takedown service. We provide all the tools the professionals use and you spend the time researching and processing the Takedown Application. DIY Services

Who can file for takedown of a negative review online?

Two parties are authorized to file takedown notices:

1. An authorized agent of the owner of the content described in the takedown notice.
2. The owner of the content described in the takedown notice.

If the owner of the content chooses an agent to act on their behalf they must first swear by (legally state):

1. They have authorized the agent to act on their behalf.
2. They own the content contained in the takedown notice.

Note: DMCA.com requires this sworn statement from every one of its paying Professionally Managed Clients. See example here: Takedown Notice Sign up form - in order to complete this form users must legally swear they are authorized to submit a takedown notice. DMCA.com has also added the same safety feature within its DIY program. There are specific statements within the DIY takedown notice regarding abuse of the service.

Examples of content owners:

1. copyright owners
2. content publishers or distributors (with permission of the content or copyright owners)
3. NFT owners
4. code writers and publishers
5. social media users and participants
6. subject contained within the content and published without permission (special considerations may be required)

For more information you can visit: www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf

Related DMCA Takedown FAQ's

1. What is CyberStalking or Cyberharassment
2. How Can I Remove Defamation Online
3. What are DMCA Takedowns
4. How Can I Get My Name Removed from Google Search
5. Why Use DMCA.com for Takedowns
6. What is DMCA.com