IP Tech Knowledgy

If someone impersonates you on a social media platform, following the proper reporting processes can help resolve the issue.

The first step should be to report the imposter by using the three-dot menu (also known as the ellipsis or meatball menu) that typically appears to the right of an account name. This menu provides a feature that facilitates reporting the account as an imposter, and the prompt sometimes states “it’s pretending to be someone else.” This option may be quick and easy; unfortunately, this reporting mechanism often fails to remove the imposter account.

A more reliable method to address online impersonation is to use a platform’s online complaint process, which is usually accessible in the platform’s help or support center. Examples include Facebook’s impersonation reporting form and TikTok’s impersonation reporting form. These forms provide a series of short questions related to the imposter account and may allow users to upload additional attachments. These attachments could include information detailing concerns about the existence and potential malicious intent of the imposter account, which may help expedite the removal process.

If the imposter account copies your original photographs, such as using your photograph as its profile picture, you can submit a copyright infringement complaint to demand that the platform remove the account. Social media platforms generally provide a form in the platform’s help or support center, such as Instagram’s copyright infringement complaint form. In this instance, including a letter explaining that the account is an imposter account may also support removal of the imposter account and the copied image or images. Because impersonation violates a platform’s community guidelines or standards, the platform may remove the account on that basis, even though you submitted the claim as a copyright complaint.

Once you submit a complaint, you will typically receive an email confirming receipt, followed by periodic status updates. This process can take some time, and you may need to submit multiple complaints. Occasionally, platforms may not process complaints at all, potentially due to the high volume of requests they receive, so be diligent in following up.

Fortunately, social media platforms have implemented processes to fight impersonation. Taking the steps outlined above can improve the chances that a platform will remove an imposter account.

Jennifer R. Mumm
410-576-4180 • jmumm@gfrlaw.com