How to Report Deepfakes on Bluesky, X and LinkedIn: Templates and Escalation Paths

Hook: When a deepfake targets your brand or audience, minutes matter

Creators and publishers live on trust. A single manipulated image or video can wreck reputation, destroy monetization, and expose audiences to harm. In 2026 the flood of AI-manipulated content is faster and harder to spot than ever. This packet gives you ready-to-send reporting templates, a concrete deepfake evidence checklist, and platform-specific escalation paths for Bluesky LIVE, X takedown workflows, and LinkedIn appeals so you can act fast and defensibly when targeted.

The 2026 context you need to know

Late 2025 and early 2026 saw high-profile incidents that changed how platforms handle manipulated content. xAI's Grok controversy triggered investigations into nonconsensual sexualized AI images and prompted users to migrate to newer networks like Bluesky. Regulators from California to the EU are sharpening rules and enforcement expectations around nonconsensual and highly manipulated media. LinkedIn and other professional networks are seeing scaled policy attacks aimed at impersonation and account takeover. That means platforms are under pressure, but many trust and safety teams remain understaffed. You must prepare to preserve evidence and escalate strategically.

Topline workflow: Verify, preserve, report, escalate

Follow this four-step workflow every time you suspect a deepfake

1. Verify quickly but methodically. Accept initial uncertainty and focus on collecting evidence rather than declarations.
2. Preserve copies and metadata. This is the most important phase for takedown success and legal options.
3. Report using platform-specific forms and language that aligns with policy categories.
4. Escalate if the platform stalls: use appeals, legal notices, regulator complaints, and public pressure as last-resort steps.

Deepfake evidence checklist: What to collect first

Collect these items in the first 60 to 90 minutes. Speed preserves more metadata and reduces the chance content is deleted or altered by its poster.

• Direct post URL and post ID. Copy the exact URL and the numeric or alphanumeric ID used by the platform.
• Screenshots and screen recordings of the post, comments, and any profile details. Record device clock and timezone.
• Original media file. If the post contains an image or video, download it. Use the platform's download option or save the highest-quality file available.
• Preserve metadata with ExifTool or similar. Extract EXIF, creation timestamps, and any software metadata from the file if available.
• Compute file hashes such as SHA256. This provides a tamper-evident fingerprint for later legal use.
• Contextual posts. Save nearby posts, replies, and threads that show intent, amplification, or admission from the poster.
• Witness statements. Get short signed statements or DMs from people who first saw or received the content.
• Archived copies. Use archive.today, Perma.cc, or Webrecorder to create a copy of the public page and note the archive timestamp.
• Playback capture. For streaming content like Bluesky LIVE, record the stream using system screen capture to preserve live context and chat logs.
• Chain of custody log. Record who handled the evidence, when, and what operations were performed (e g , downloaded, hashed, uploaded to a secure drive).

Tools to use right now

• ExifTool for metadata extraction
• sha256sum or CertUtil for checksums
• FFmpeg for video rewrapping and frame extraction
• Archive.today, Perma.cc, Webrecorder for page preservation
• InVID, Amnesty YouTube DataViewer, FotoForensics for basic forensic indicators

Platform-specific reporting and escalation guides

Below are actionable, field-ready steps and escalation ladders for Bluesky, X, and LinkedIn. Use the templates provided in each section to copy, paste, and adapt.

Bluesky: report flow for LIVE and posts

Why it matters in 2026: Bluesky added LIVE badges and specialized cashtags in late 2025 as installs surged following deepfake controversies on other networks. Bluesky's community moderation is evolving; quick, precise reports help their trust team triage high-risk cases faster.

Immediate steps

1. Take a screen recording of the Bluesky LIVE stream and chat using a local recorder.
2. Copy the post URL and the profile handle as shown in the app. Note the time and timezone.
3. Download the posted media if possible or capture the highest-resolution version via browser tools.
4. Run ExifTool and a hash on the file, and upload the preserved file to a secure cloud or encrypted drive with access logs.

How to report inside Bluesky

1. Open the post or profile and tap the Report option.
2. Select the category closest to manipulated media or nonconsensual content. If the built-in categories are insufficient, choose Harassment or Privacy Violation and add details in the free-text field.
3. Paste the short Bluesky template (below) into the details field and attach preserved files via the support upload link if available.

Bluesky report template

  Subject: Urgent takedown request for nonconsensual/manipulated media

  Post URL: [paste URL]
  Poster handle: [paste handle]
  Time observed: [ISO 8601 timestamp]

  Summary: This post contains AI-manipulated media of [name/creator] presented without consent and causing ongoing harm. The media appears to be a synthetic or heavily edited image/video and violates privacy and safety policies.

  Evidence attached: SHA256: [paste hash]  EXIF extract: [paste key fields]  ARCHIVE: [archive link]

  Request: Immediate removal and retention of platform logs and original files for review. Please provide a takedown confirmation and an internal reference number for appeals.

  I can provide additional evidence on request. Contact email: [your secure email]  Phone: [optional]
  

If Bluesky does not respond

• Escalate to Bluesky's Trust & Safety via the support web form and include your internal reference number.
• Use public channels sparingly: a well-timed Tweet or post tagging Bluesky's official account can increase visibility, but only after you have preserved evidence and given the platform a reasonable time to act.
• If content is sexualized or involves a minor, notify law enforcement immediately and include the Bluesky post URL and evidence hash in your report.

X: takedown and appeal workflow

Why X in 2026 needs careful strategy: After the Grok deepfake controversy and regulatory scrutiny, X's moderation is inconsistent because of staffing shifts and policy changes. However, it still provides direct takedown routes for manipulated media and impersonation. You must provide precise technical evidence to cut through volume.

Immediate steps

1. Copy the exact Tweet URL and Tweet ID. In the web client, the ID is in the URL path; record it.
2. Download the media file, extract metadata, and compute a checksum.
3. Use the InVID frames tool to extract keyframes if it's a video deepfake for forensic analysis.

How to file an effective X takedown report

1. Use the in-app Report menu and choose Media Bias or Manipulated Media if available, otherwise choose Harassment or Privacy Violation.
2. Paste the X-specific template (below) into the explanation field. If there is a separate copyright or privacy form, submit there as well for parallel processing.
3. Upload preserved files to a trusted file share and paste the access link in the report so trust reviewers can download the original file. If you need a low-latency uploader for capture-to-support workflows, consult our micro-apps playbook for quick-hosting options.

X report template

  Subject: Manipulated media takedown request - urgent

  Tweet URL: [paste URL]  Tweet ID: [paste ID]
  Handle: [@poster]  Time observed: [ISO 8601]

  Summary: The attached image/video is an AI-manipulated representation of [name/creator]. It was posted without consent and is nonconsensual and harmful. It likely violates X policy on manipulated media and privacy/harassment policies.

  Evidence: SHA256: [hash]  EXIF: [key fields]  Archive: [archive link]  Frames: [link to frames or thumbnails]

  Request: Immediate removal, preservation of logs and original upload, and confirmation of action with a reference ID. Please advise on appeals pathway and expected timeline.

  Contact: [email]  Chain of custody log available on request.
  

Escalation ladder for X

1. If first response is delayed beyond 48 hours, file a formal appeal via X Help Center appeal form with summary and reference to the original report.
2. For copyright claims, submit a DMCA notice using X's DMCA process for parallel removal.
3. If the matter involves extortion, threats, sexual exploitation, or minors, file a law enforcement report and then submit the law enforcement ticket number to X through the law enforcement contact pathways.
4. If resolution fails, consider a regulator complaint (FTC in the US or relevant data protection authority in the EU) citing platform inaction against manipulated media that causes consumer or privacy harm.

LinkedIn: professional impersonation and policy violation appeals

Why LinkedIn is different: LinkedIn is built for professional identity, so impersonation and policy violation attacks often aim to disrupt careers and monetization. The network added heightened alerts in 2026 after a wave of policy violation attacks targeted account integrity.

Immediate preservation

• Capture the profile URL, any messages, and uploaded media. Download attachments and compute hashes.
• Collect evidence of professional harm, such as lost client messages, job offer rescinds, or direct messages showing deception.

How to file a LinkedIn appeal

1. Use LinkedIn's Report link on the profile or post to select Impersonation or Abusive Content depending on context.
2. After reporting, go to the LinkedIn Help Center and submit a case with the full template below. Attach the preserved files and the chain of custody log.

LinkedIn report template

  Subject: Urgent impersonation / manipulated media removal request

  Profile/Post URL: [paste URL]  Profile name: [paste name]
  Time observed: [ISO 8601]

  Summary: This account/post is impersonating [name/brand] and spreading AI-manipulated content that harms professional reputation and may be used to defraud contacts. Evidence attached includes original media with SHA256 hash and contextual messages showing harm.

  Evidence: SHA256: [hash]  EXIF: [key fields]  Archive: [link]

  Request: Immediate removal and account suspension pending review. Please confirm next steps and appeal channels.

  Contact: [email]  Legal counsel: [if retained]
  

If LinkedIn stalls

• Escalate to LinkedIn's Trust & Safety by referencing the case number. Use business account or premium support lines if available to speed response.
• For targeted impersonation aimed at employers or clients, alert your employer's legal team and consider sending a cease and desist through counsel.
• If the target is a high-profile creator or executive, coordinated takedown requests from legal counsel plus public exposure via press or trade outlets can increase platform priority. You can learn more about cross-platform promotion and prioritization in our cross-platform live events guide.

Legal notices and DMCA templates

When technical reporting fails, legal notices can be decisive. Use these templates only after consulting counsel. They work best when accompanied by the evidence elements listed earlier.

Short legal cease and desist template

  Subject: Cease and desist demand for unauthorized use and distribution of manipulated media

  To whom it may concern,

  We represent [name/brand]. You have posted and distributed AI-manipulated media that misrepresents and violates the privacy and publicity rights of our client. This communication demands immediate removal of the material, preservation of logs and original uploads, and a written assurance within 48 hours that you will cease distribution.

  Evidence: [link to preserved evidence and file hash]

  If you do not comply, we will pursue civil remedies including injunctive relief and damages, and will involve law enforcement as necessary.

  Counsel: [name, firm, contact]
  

DMCA notice template for copyrighted original media

  To: Platform DMCA Agent

  I am the copyright owner of the following original media. The material located at [post URL] illegally reproduces my copyrighted work. I request prompt removal under 17 U S C 512.

  Original work description: [short description]
  Infringing URL: [post URL]
  Contact: [name, address, email]

  I declare under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate and that I am the owner or authorized agent.

  Signature: [typed name]  Date: [date]
  

Chain of custody and evidence preservation: practical tips

Preserved evidence is currency. If you plan to escalate to law enforcement or regulators, document everything. That includes who accessed evidence, when, and what operations were performed. Use an encrypted storage bucket with access logs and set retention so files are not auto-deleted.

• Log every access in a central spreadsheet or case management tool with timestamps and operator initials.
• Hash files before and after transfer. Any mismatch indicates tampering.
• Keep original copies offline if possible and working copies for analysis in a separate secure folder.
• Timestamp evidence using a trusted timestamping service or notarization if you expect heavy legal use.

When to involve law enforcement and regulators

Contact police when the deepfake involves threats, extortion, sexual exploitation, minors, or immediate safety risks. File a regulator complaint for platform inaction when the content has systemic impact, involves mass nonconsensual imagery, or the platform is forced into noncompliance with local law.

In the US, state attorneys general and the FTC are increasingly active on nonconsensual deepfake harms. In the EU, data protection authorities and Digital Services Act mechanisms provide expedited takedown options. Mention the relevant regulator and the platform reference number when you file.

Advanced strategies for creators and publishers

• Proactive monitoring Use alerts and reverse image search on your name and brand. Set up daily or hourly queries for sensitive assets.
• Pre-authorized DMCA If you are a publisher with regular takedown needs, keep a vetted lawyer on retainer to send pre-drafted notices the moment you collect evidence.
• Cross-platform coordination When malicious content is reposted across networks, file synchronized takedowns and include all platform URLs in each report to show breadth of harm.
• Transparency statements Prepare a short public statement template to provide to audiences when a deepfake is spreading, giving your side and showing you are taking measured action.

Sample public transparency statement

A manipulated image/video of [name/brand] is circulating that we believe to be synthetic and posted without consent. We are preserving evidence, have reported the content to the platforms involved, and are pursuing removal and legal options. Please avoid sharing the content and report any reposts to us via [contact].

Checklist recap and immediate actions you can take now

• Within 15 minutes: screenshot, screen record, copy post URL and user handle.
• Within 60 minutes: download original media, extract metadata, compute SHA256 hash, archive page.
• Within 24 hours: submit platform reports using templates here and attach evidence links. If no response within 48 hours, escalate.
• If content involves minors, sexual exploitation, or threats: contact law enforcement immediately and then notify platform safety teams with the police report number.

Final notes: speed, precision, and documentation win

In 2026 the volume of deepfake content means platforms are triaging. Your advantage is precision. Fast, organized evidence submission with clear legal framing and immutable file fingerprints gets results. Use the templates and checklists in this packet as your immediate toolkit, and adapt them to the platform and severity of harm. Keep a log and lean on counsel when legal escalation is required.

Call to action

If you are a creator or publisher vulnerable to impersonation or deepfake attacks, start a case log today. Download this packet, populate the evidence checklist for your current accounts, and subscribe to our verification alerts for live updates on platform policy changes and regulatory moves in 2026. If you need help tailoring a legal notice or coordinating cross-platform takedowns, contact our verification desk for assisted escalation.

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