Home » TakeDowns » Facebook TakeDown Process

Facebook isn’t really a site that is set up to sell work on, but it is possible. However, some of you (like me) might find an instance in people using artworks for profile images (this could be a friend, family member or follower – which could be acceptable, but on the other hand it could be a business page, and these should know better. After all business is business and advertising costs), or placing them on their page and not adding trackbacks or accreditation. So, by law (but not publicised or easy to find), Facebook has set up a TakeDown form. It is an easy, but unfurling set of details. The following page is here to go through the steps to complete the process with the best ease and effectiveness. The takedown form can be found here!

This is the first screen that you will see if you follow the link provided. There is an array of items that you can select for different issues, but the one you need as an artist is the middle one, marked: ‘I found content that I believe violates my copyright‘. When you click this a second option appears for you to confirm the process; ‘Please click here to continue with a copyright report.’ Once that has been clicked the Contact Information opens up.

This again is all pretty straight forward, but is advisable to use the name that you use in the account you registered with. that’s your real name, not handles or nicknames. As soon as you select either of the country options the next panel appears. This is the crucial information about the thief and your work. I have indicated several ticks that relate to further screens or things to be aware of.

The first box you should be aware of that if you are linking later on to an example from a page that has a different copyright claim on it (your professional name or trading name), then you should place that here. The first pull-down menu asks what you re reporting. For artists reporting violations on their work it needs to be the first option; ‘Photo(s), video(s), note(s), share(s), wall post(s) or file(s)‘.

Then you can click in the address bar and copy the exact location of the image. If you click on the image it tends to open up. And then you can copy the URL then. It tends to have the word ‘theatre’ in it somewhere. You paste the and any other URLs if its a case of multiple copies in the boxes. Then in the next pull-down option you choose; ‘This content copies my work‘. This is the closest option the the violation, so it serves the purpose.

The next pull-down menu is straight after, but relates to your work(s). Here you choose; ‘Artwork I created‘. Then under this item in the box, you place one or two URLs that lead Facebook to a place they can see the original. It’s best if it’s not a Facebook page or any social media page. A professional website, or portfolio site like BeHance, Dribbble will work fine for this. Anything that shows your name, and that you own the copyright.

Then at the end, the final section simple asks you to sign a pledge that you are telling the truth. You simply click ‘Yes’ and add your name in the box. Once that is done you choose ‘Submit‘. Within two minutes you will receive a notification of your claim, and within 2-5 day (same day if you are lucky) Facebook will remove the works. So far, today, I have not had one claim rejected using this process. Good luck!