Having your content stolen by a cyber pirate is detrimental and can result in both time and financial losses. Worse, it can make you lose control of something you have worked very hard on.
Cyber piracy is not new. Many websites have policies regarding the removal of stolen content. Sites like YouTube use tools to stop stolen content from being uploaded. Many adult sites collaborate to remove stolen content. So, stealing content is no longer a big problem, right?
Wrong.
Reports indicate that content theft remains a common practice. Whether it is a digital painting on DeviantArt, a sexy selfie on xHamster, or a viral tutorial video, no one is safe from having their content taken.
That’s why services like DMCA.com exist. But are they excellent? Let’s see.
A Quick Look at the DMCA Law
The DMCA law was made in 1998 in the U.S. to help protect creators from cyber pirates. This law also stops websites from being fully responsible for stolen content.
Although it originated in America, this law became the primary rule worldwide. After some time, the European Union made a similar rule. Right now, 191 countries follow identical rules to protect creators.
Why You Should File a DMCA Claim
You may want to file a DMCA claim to prevent losing money due to someone stealing your content. In 2017, internet piracy cost the world $52 billion. The number has continued to grow since then.
Another reason is to protect your brand. If people use your work without giving you credit, it can harm your reputation and make it difficult to attract followers.
There is also the issue of privacy and revenge porn. Some people post private and personal pictures online to embarrass others. This can negatively impact someone’s job prospects or plans.
What DMCA.com Can Do For You
DMCA.com is a website that assists in removing stolen content. They help with many types of content, but here is what they don’t do:
- They do not give general legal advice.
- They don’t handle cases of slander (unless your stolen content is involved).
What they do is help with stolen content like photos, videos, apps, programs, graphics, and even text. If you made it or own it, you can file a claim.
Getting Started is Easy
Using DMCA.com is easy. Just click “Sign Up” and choose “Create a Takedown.” Then, fill out a few simple questions, including:
- The URL where the stolen content is.
- The URL of your website with the original content.
Next, explain that the content belongs to you. The more details you add, the better. When you are done, confirm that everything is accurate.
Finally, enter your name, company name, email, and phone number. You can also use your Google account to make it faster. Select a payment plan and proceed to checkout.
Pricing: Not Cheap, But Worth It
A full-service takedown on DMCA.com costs $199 per website. They offer a free review of your claim to help you decide if you should pay.
If you are on a budget, they offer a DIY package for $10 a month or $100 a year. This package includes tools to help you manage claims yourself.
They also offer business and enterprise packages, allowing you to file more claims for extra costs.
Support When You Need It
DMCA.com does not guarantee how quickly they will resolve your claim, but you can contact them for updates. They offer support through various channels, including messages, live chat, and Facebook.
My Opinion
DMCA.com is a good service for handling DMCA claims. They help a lot with stolen content and offer some free tools to stop piracy.
There could be more tools to stop content theft earlier. The service is good, but the cost may be too high for those with a limited budget.
However, the cost is worth it to protect your brand and prevent financial losses.
All things considered, DMCA.com is a solid service that everyone should think about if their content has been stolen or if they are a victim of revenge porn.
