Revenge Porn and the Right to Be Forgotten: How to Defend Yourself and Remove Online Content

When an intimate image is shared without your consent, the emotional impact can be overwhelming. It is not simply an invasion of your privacy, but a profound trauma and a violation of your intimacy. In these circumstances, the law provides a powerful remedy: the right to be forgotten.

The right to be forgotten allows you to request the removal of content that infringes your privacy or has been published without your consent (the right to erasure). This right is particularly relevant in cases of revenge porn, namely the publication or distribution of intimate images or videos without the person's consent.

You may contact the website on which the content appears and request that it be removed. This includes social media platforms as well as other websites, including pornographic websites. On social media, the content can usually be reported through the platform's reporting tools, while website hosts may be contacted directly to demand its removal.

You may also request the de-indexing of one or more webpages containing information about you. For example, Google provides a dedicated form allowing individuals to request the removal of search results containing sensitive personal information or explicit content published without consent.

These procedures can, however, be lengthy and difficult, particularly when you are already dealing with the emotional consequences of the disclosure. For this reason, seeking assistance from a lawyer is often advisable. A lawyer can help prepare a robust request, take legal action against online platforms, or apply to the civil courts if your request is refused. In France, a court may order the removal of the content, impose financial penalties, and formally recognise the infringement of your rights.

The right to be forgotten extends beyond removing social media posts or search engine results. It forms part of the broader protection of personal privacy under data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This means that you may also require websites, databases and online platforms to erase your personal data where they have no lawful basis for processing or publishing it.

Remember that this process can be emotionally exhausting. You have every right to seek support. Victim support organisations, psychologists and legal professionals are available to assist you without judgment.

Are you the victim of, or accused in, a revenge porn case? Contact Maître Lois Pamela LESOT, Criminal Defence Lawyer – +33 6 52 02 54 42 – lesot@loispamelalesot.com

Revenge Porn Is a Criminal Offence

The right to be forgotten allows victims to take action after the non-consensual sharing of intimate content, enabling that content to be removed and de-indexed as quickly as possible.

In addition, revenge porn is a criminal offence punishable under the French Criminal Code. Victims have legal rights, may file a criminal complaint, and may seek compensation for the harm caused by the non-consensual publication of intimate content.

Non-consensual sharing of intimate content on social media

Non-consensual sharing of intimate content and unlawful publication of images

Do Not Stay Silent or Face This Alone

Revenge porn is a serious violation of privacy and a form of abuse that can have lasting consequences. However, you do not have to face it without legal protection. The law continues to evolve, and today you have access to legal remedies, procedural protections and enforceable rights.

You have the right to request the removal of intimate images. You have the right to file a criminal complaint. You have the right to be heard, supported and recognised as a victim.

Working with a lawyer ensures that you do not have to face this ordeal alone. You can receive guidance and representation throughout both the content removal and de-indexing process, as well as any related criminal proceedings, with professionalism, compassion and expertise.

Your Criminal Defense with Maître Lois Pamela LESOT

Are you a victim or accused in a revenge porn case?
Consult a lawyer: Maître Lois Pamela LESOT – 06.52.02.54.42 – lesot@loispamelalesot.com

The firm regularly assists and defends individuals who are victims or accused in revenge porn cases, as well as in all types of criminal offenses, such as rape or domestic violence.

If you wish to file a complaint for revenge porn, you can consult this article.
If you are accused of revenge porn, you can prepare for police custody by consulting this article and for a voluntary interview by consulting this article.

Article date: July 11, 2025 | By Lois Pamela LESOT