At PimEyes, we understand that your online presence is an extension of your identity, and we take your privacy seriously. Our commitment goes beyond merely providing a service; we are dedicated to safeguarding your rights when it comes to managing your personal images. We recognize the need for individuals to control their online image and decide where and how their pictures are displayed.
That’s why we make it easy and free for you to remove your images from PimEyes search results. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. To learn more about how PimEyes compares to other image search services, check out our comparisons of PimEyes vs. Social Catfish and PimEyes vs. TinEye.
You Don’t Need a DMCA Request to Remove Your Image
One common misperception among our users is the belief that you need to submit a DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) request to remove an image from our search results.
Here’s the truth: You do not need to go through the DMCA request process to remove your image from PimEyes.
PimEyes is a search engine, not a content host. We assist users in finding images that are already publicly accessible online. We never search social media or other user-restricted sources. For an in-depth look at our service, read our full PimEyes review.
Removing your image from PimEyes does not remove it from the original website where it was found. But we provide two easy ways to remove it from our search index:
- Opt-out (permanent removal)
- Manual exclusion (image-by-image removal)
Both options are completely free for all users. Let’s go through each one.
How to Permanently Remove Your Likeness with Opt-Out
The opt-out feature will permanently remove your likeness from both current and future PimEyes searches. It’s a great option if you want a long-term solution. Here’s how it works:
- Go to the PimEyes opt-out page.
- Upload a clear, forward-facing photo of yourself.
- Upload an anonymized government-issued ID to confirm your identity.
- You can use a driver’s license, passport, or other official ID.
- Hide or blur out all sensitive info except your photo.
- We don’t store these images and will delete them after processing your request.
- Provide an email address so we can contact you about your request.
- Submit the form and you’re done!
Since images can have different index combinations, we recommend requesting removal a few times with different photos to ensure full coverage. If you’re looking for PimEyes alternatives with similar opt-out options, check out our guide.
How to Remove Select Images with Manual Exclusion
If you only want certain images removed, manual exclusion lets you select them one-by-one directly from the search results. Here’s how:
- Find the image you want to remove in the PimEyes search results.
- Click “Exclude from public results“.
- Choose a reason for removal from the options provided.
- Submit your request.
The selected image will be permanently deleted from PimEyes within 48 hours after your request is approved. Repeat the process for any other images you want taken down.
Key Takeaways
- You can remove your image from PimEyes search results for free as an unregistered user.
- DMCA requests are not required since PimEyes doesn’t host content.
- Use the opt-out feature for permanent removal of your likeness.
- Use manual exclusion to remove select images from the search index.
- Removal only applies to PimEyes, not the original image source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really free to remove my images from PimEyes?
Yes, both the opt-out and manual exclusion processes are 100% free for all users. You don’t need to register for an account or pay any fees.
How long does it take for my images to be removed?
For manual exclusion, your images will be deleted within 48 hours after your request is approved. Opt-out removals are usually processed within a few business days.
Do I have to be the copyright holder to request removal?
No, any individual can request to have their own likeness removed from the PimEyes search index for privacy reasons, regardless of who holds the image copyright.
Will this remove my images from Google, Bing, and other search engines too?
No, opting out of PimEyes only removes your images from our search results. You would need to contact each search engine separately to request removal from their indexes.
Can I remove images of other people from PimEyes?
You can only request removal of your own likeness. PimEyes cannot process removal requests on behalf of other individuals, even family members.
What if I change my mind and want my images back in the search results?
Simply contact our support team and provide the email address you used for opting out. We will restore your images to the PimEyes index per your request.
At PimEyes, we believe in empowering our users to take control of their online presence. Our streamlined removal process, helpful support staff, and commitment to privacy make us the top choice for facial recognition search. Try our free image removal options today to see how easy it is to manage your digital footprint.
