Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

If a private video has been posted without your permission, report it to the platform hosting it and, if it is safe, note the post’s URL, account name, and when you found it. You do not have to download, forward, or repeatedly watch the video to ask for help. If the video is intimate, age-specific services may also help limit sharing; if it is not sexual, you can still report a privacy violation to the platform. Laws and legal options depend on where you are.

What to do first

  1. Report the post on the service hosting it. Open the post or account’s reporting or safety options and choose the closest category for nonconsensual intimate imagery, privacy, or abusive content. Include the post’s location and enough detail for the platform to identify it. A report to a separate service cannot remove a video from a platform; only the platform hosting it can take it down.
  2. Keep basic evidence if doing so is safe. Write down the post URL, account or profile name, and the date and time you found it. Keep relevant messages or threats. You do not need to gather evidence before reporting, and your safety and wellbeing come first. RAINN recommends preserving information about who posted the material, where and when it was found, and whether threats or extortion were involved.
  3. Use an age-appropriate image-matching service if applicable. Take It Down is for explicit imagery made when the person depicted was under 18, even if they are now an adult. StopNCII is a free option for adults. These tools complement—not replace—a report to the platform where the video appears.
  4. Get help if there are threats or extortion. Consider contacting local law enforcement and a trusted victim-support organization. You do not need to handle the threat alone.

Consent to record or privately send a video is not consent to publish it. Responsibility for sharing it without permission lies with the person who shared it.

Which reporting route fits your situation?

Route Who it may help What it does Limits to know
Report directly to the platform Anyone dealing with content hosted on that service Requests action on the post or account. In the United States, covered platforms have a 48-hour duty, under the FTC’s Take It Down Act guidance, to remove a reported intimate image and known identical copies after a takedown request. It does not automatically remove copies on unrelated services. The U.S. duty applies to covered platforms; laws and coverage vary elsewhere. (Federal Trade Commission, 2026)
Take It Down People depicted in explicit imagery made when they were under 18 Creates a digital fingerprint, or hash, on the user’s device and shares the hash with participating platforms to help identify matching content. Use only a file already on your device. Do not download or share the imagery to submit it. The service works with participating platforms and does not cover every site or surface. (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)
StopNCII Adults whose intimate imagery is at risk of being shared Uses image matching with participating companies as an additional measure. Its FAQ warns that it may not protect against a video being shared, and it does not report content to police. It is not a guarantee that copies will be removed. (StopNCII)
Law enforcement and victim support People facing threats, extortion, possible crimes, or needing help navigating next steps May provide a reporting, investigative, or support route. What an agency can do, and which laws or remedies apply, depends on the jurisdiction and circumstances. (RAINN; U.S. Department of Justice)

If the video was made when you were under 18

Use Take It Down if the imagery is explicit and was made when you were under 18. You can use it even if you are now an adult. The service creates a hash without uploading the actual file, but you must have the file on your own device to submit it. Do not download, forward, or share the video to create a submission. If you do not already have the file, you can still report the post directly and seek help from NCMEC or a trusted support service.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If you are in the United States and the platform does not act

The FTC says covered platforms must provide an easy way to request removal of intimate images and take down the reported image and known identical copies within 48 hours of a request. If a covered platform has not done so, you can report it to the FTC at TakeItDown.ftc.gov. This is a U.S.-specific escalation route, not a worldwide deadline.

#1 Best Overall
CloudValley Webcam Cover for Logitech C920x / C920 / C922x / C922 / C930e
  • Privacy Protection and Lens Care: Avoid private information from hacking while preventing dust-fall and scratching of the camera lens
  • Multiple Compatibility: Suitable for Logitech webcam C920x, C920, C922, C930e, C922x Pro Stream HD Camera
  • Artful Design: Modeled and designed exclusively to fit the above devices from Logitech and make it more stylish
  • Easy Flip Mechanism: Can be turned 180 angle and easily take the cover off when flipping more than 180
  • Simple Installation: Attaches securely to your Logitech webcam without leaving residue, allowing for quick and hassle-free setup

The U.S. Department of Justice also describes a federal civil remedy for certain unauthorized sharing of intimate images. It is a private legal action, not a case in which the government represents the plaintiff; a court may protect confidentiality. Whether the remedy fits a particular situation depends on its requirements and facts, so consider getting legal advice.

If the video is not intimate

Report the post through the hosting platform’s privacy or abuse process and explain that it was shared without your permission. Keep basic identifying details and relevant threats if it is safe. The age-specific hash services described above address explicit intimate imagery, not every kind of private recording. Legal protections and available reporting routes for a non-intimate video depend on the content and your location.

Rank #2
CloudValley Laptop Camera Cover Slide, Metal 0.023 Inch Ultra-Thin, 2 Packs
  • Privacy Protection: CloudValley webcam cover is designed for those who prioritize privacy, security, and peace of mind when using laptops, tablets, and computers
  • Fashion Design: The space aluminum alloy webcam cover features a subtle design which compliments the beautiful aesthetic of top devices
  • Ultra-Thin Design: Measures only 0.023 (0.6 mm) inch thin, ensuring it does not interfere with closing your laptop or device while providing reliable camera coverage
  • Broad Compatibility: Works flawlessly with most laptops (MacBook, HP, Dell, Asus, Acer, Lenovo), All-in-One PCs and leading tablets including iPad, Surface Pro, Galaxy Tab, Fire HD, and Google Pixel Tablet
  • Simple to Use: Only need to align to the webcam, attach and press it firmly for 15 seconds. Does not interfere with web use or indicator light
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Support matters, too

Having a video shared without consent can be distressing. Consider asking someone you trust to help with reporting or contacting a victim-support organization, especially if threats or extortion are involved. RAINN and the FTC both direct people affected by image-based abuse toward support resources. You can seek support without first collecting evidence or making a legal decision.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Laptop Camera Cover Slide, 6 Pack Ultra-Thin 0.022in Webcam Cover Blocker
  • 【Protect Privacy Security】Focusing on network security, now we can easily and effectively protect personal and family privacy security , Just gently slide the slide and close the camera, you can stop the intrusion of hackers.
  • 【 Ultra Thin Design】The new ultra-thin design, with a thickness of only 0.022 inches, is made of flexible ABS material and is not fragile. Will not affect the closing of the laptops and scratch the laptops.
  • 【Easy to install】 Strong adhesive makes the cover not fall, keep the screen clean and free of stains during installation, tear off the adhesive tape on the back, align it with our camera, and press hard for 10 seconds to work.
  • 【Compatible with 】Compatible with camera for Laptop, tablet, computers, Echo Show and Apple Devices,as: MacBook Pro,Macbook Air,iMac ,Mac mini,iPad,MacBook Air, iPhone 6/7/8 Plus etc front camera .
  • [What you get] 6 pack black webcam covers.
Rank #4
JCWINY Webcam Cover, 2 Pack Desktop Computer External Webcam Lens Covers Shutter Cap Hood, Streaming Web Camera Privacy Cover Clip Compatible with Logitech HD Pro Web Cam C270/C615/C920/C930e/C922X
  • 【Premium Webcam Cover】This webcam privacy cover is an accessory of computer webcam. No worry about interfering with web camera lens use or indicator light; No damage to your device in any way as well. A helpful privacy protector and dust separator
  • 【Privacy Protector】Slide the web camera cover over your webcam lens when not in use, and prevents web hackers from Spying on you. It is perfect to provide privacy security and peace of mind to individuals, groups, organizations, companies and governments. It also protects your camera lens from dust, and keeps it in high-definition resolution all the ways
  • 【Durable Material】The web cam cover is made of high-strength plastic, which ensures that your privacy is protected for a long and lasting period of time. The back of the web camera privacy cover slide also has a strong 3M adhesive layer. It helps the privacy protector stick firmly to your device. The most convenient, super thin design, and extra mini size, make it perfectly combine with your devices
  • 【Wide Compatibility】This webcam cover is compatible with most popular webcams with flat area surrounding lens or with protruding lens, such as Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 C920x C930e and C922, Logitech C615 and C270 (NOT fit Logitech C910, B910, C310). It can be also used as a cover for the peep hole on door
  • 【For Logitech Webcam Cover】 The streamcam cover kit comes with 2 pack. Please clean the lens surface before applying. Make sure the mounting surface is cleaned completely so that it sticks properly and firmly
Rank #3
Sale
Yilador Webcam Cover 3 Pack, 0.03 inch Ultra Thin Laptop Camera Cover Slide
  • Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
  • 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
  • ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
  • ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
  • ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.