Content removal service for victims of revenge porn

Leakserv is a Dutch startup dedicated to erasing non-consensual, explicit material from the web.

For victims of revenge porn, the trauma of having sexually explicit images of themselves posted on the internet can seem uncontrollable. While social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook condemn the material, once a photograph or video is posted online, it is often shared around the web in a way that makes it impossible for individuals to track down each version. Now, Leakserv is a Dutch startup dedicated to erasing such material from the web.

To begin, victims enlist the services of Leakserv and point them towards the problematic content. Then, Leakserv uses advanced tracking and monitoring systems to identify every copy of the material and the various hosts, including third part users. The company then issues DMCS take-down notices, which requires the uploader or distributor to remove the explicit or non-consensual content. Leakserv will also ensure that the content is blocked on search engines, preventing further movement online.

Leakserv also offer content removal services for victims of content theft, as well as an identity protection service — enabling people to clean up their digital reputation, through content removal. The startup offers two price plans — USD 69 per month for unlimited takedowns and support for up to ten items or USD 199 for up to 50 items.

Given that the subjects of revenge porn are victims, both in the eyes of the law and the company themselves, it is problematic that they are having to pay for the removal of the damaging material. But in the absence of suitable pro bono help, Leakserv a providing a valuable and important service. Who else could benefit from this online removal service?